After months of indecision Aston Villa starlet Jack Grealish has finally made his mind up – and has chosen to play for England.
In the last few minutes his club tweeted to say: “Jack Grealish has made a decision over his international future and opted to play for England”.
BREAKING NEWS: @JackGrealish1 has made a decision over his international future and opted to play for England. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/AH20hyhuEd
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) September 28, 2015
Grealish has previously represented Ireland at underage level, but had hesitated over committing to them at senior level.
The player had refused a call-up by Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill earlier this year, sparking speculation he would switch to England.
England manager Roy Hodgson had made his interest in the midfielder, who was born in England, clear and recently suggested it was time for the player to make up his mind.
The player followed up the tweet from his club with a statement of his own.
He said: “I have decided to give my allegiance to England.
“It was not an easy decision as Ireland has a special place with me through my family.
“However, I have decided to represent my country of birth.”
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish1) September 28, 2015
It remains to be seen if Grealish will earn a place in the England squad for next year’s European Championship – having not played any part in their qualifying campaign.
Neither country have yet made a comment on the player’s decision.