Jack Grealish will have to decide international future himself, says Villa boss Tim Sherwood

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood says he will not tell Jack Grealish whether he should represent England or the Republic of Ireland at international level.

The Solihull-born 19-year-old midfielder, who played for the Republic at U17, U18 and U21 level, has delayed his decision on choosing his international allegiance at senior level.

Republic manager Martin O'Neill this week hinted at frustration at what he regarded as Roy Hodgson putting pressure on Grealish to make a decision and Sherwood is keen not to further fan the flames.

He said: "I spoke to Roy Hodgson, I spoke to Martin O'Neill and Jack Grealish and his father and I told them that it is not my decision to make. It's up to them four to fight it out and keep me out of it.

"I really can't make his mind up for him. He's got to make a decision on what his heart is telling him - is he English or is he Irish?  He needs to start playing well for Aston Villa on a regular basis to even be talking about that argument.

"I had a similar situation with Nabil Bentaleb as he could have played for Algeria or France and he told me 'My blood's Algerian, I feel Algerian, I am going to play for them'. That's how he made his decision, perhaps Jack will feel the same."  

Meanwhile, Villa midfielder Idrissa Gueye is in a race against time to face Leicester this weekend after he suffered a hamstring injury during Senegal's 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier win over Namibia.

Sherwood said: "He was the one player we didn't want to lose because he's playing so well. He picked up a hamstring injury in the 75th minute of the game so I'm hoping that it's just fatigue. Normally when you pull a hamstring it's early in the game.

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"When we cut him, I think wires come out of him so we've got a chance. It can't be quick enough for him. He loves the hustle and bustle and the physical side of the game. He's a huge presence and a driving force."

Grealish could be involved on Sunday but Jores Okore (knee) is out and Liverpool loanee Tiago Ilori is not match fit, but Joleon Lescott could make his debut after signing from West Brom.

Watch Leicester v Aston Villa live on Sky Sports 1 at 4pm on Sunday.