ASTON VILLA MIDFIELDER Jack Grealish celebrates his 20th birthday today but looks to have given Roy Hodgson a present by opting to declare for England before the final round of Euro 2016 qualifiers next month.
The news will come as a disappointment for Martin O’Neill who, it is believed, had hoped to include the youngster in his squad for Ireland’s upcoming games with Germany and Poland.
However, according to The Independent’s chief football correspondent Sam Wallace, Grealish has taken the decision to opt for England now because he still believes he can force his way into Hodgson’s plans for Euro 2016.
The midfielder — who is currently injured — has played for Ireland at U17, U18 and U21 level but there have been doubts over his international future since August 2014.
Now, at least, it looks like everyone can move on.