Jack Grealish rejects senior Republic of Ireland call-up

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has rejected the chance to join the Republic of Ireland squad to face Scotland and England next month.

Grealish was offered his first senior call-up after a run of impressive performances for his club and was widely tipped to be part of Martin O’Neill’s squad.

O’Neill revealed he had spoken to both Grealish, who is also eligible to play for England, and his father about a place in his 33-strong squad, but said the 19-year-old wants to focus on Villa’s end to the season.

"I spoke to both Jack and his father, and I think Jack just didn't want to make his mind up at this stage," said the former Celtic and Aston Villa manager.

“He wanted to complete the season at Aston Villa - there are some important games for them coming up - and he wants to make his decision at some time in the future."

He (Grealish) wanted to complete the season at Aston Villa - there are some important games for them coming up - and he wants to make his decision at some time in the future.

Grealish had previously indicated he would not make a decision until the start of next season, and later hinted he might opt to wear the green shirt, but initially for Noel King's U21s.

However, after a string of fine performances for Tim Sherwood's side, O'Neill made one final attempt to secure a decision before the vital European Qualifier against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on June 13, live on Sky Sports.

Asked if he was disappointed by the youngster's response, he said: "Yes, I suppose I am. He has been doing very well recently and it would have been nice, but that's Jack's decision.

"I spoke to the father and said I would like to have brought him into it, but of course you don't want to force someone who might not want to make that decision just at this moment."

Republic of Ireland squad for home games against England (June 7) and Scotland (June 13): Squad: David Forde (Millwall), Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Darren Randolph (Birmingham), Richard Keogh (Derby), Marc Wilson (Stoke), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Derby), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Alex Pearce (Reading), Paul McShane (Hull), Stephen Ward (Burnley), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby), Harry Arter
(Bournemouth), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Aiden McGeady (Everton), James McClean (Wigan), Alan Judge (Brentford), Robbie Brady (Hull), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff), Stephen Quinn, David Meyler (both Hull), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich), Jon Walters (Stoke), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids), Anthony Stokes (Celtic), David McGoldrick (Ipswich), Adam Rooney (Aberdeen), Simon Cox (Reading).

Watch the Republic of Ireland take on Scotland from 5pm on Saturday, June 13, live on Sky Sports 1