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Grealish was Ireland's standout player in the 2-1 defeat against Montenegro earlier this year. Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Jack Grealish named in Ireland U21 squad despite senior uncertainty

“He’s happy to play for us at this time and we’re happy to accommodate him,” says Noel King.

JACK GREALISH HAS been included in the Ireland U21 squad for their final European Championship qualifier against Germany.

The young Aston Villa prospect, who is also eligible to play for his native England, has told Martin O’Neill that he wants to take some time before committing at senior level.

U21 boss Noel King said: “These are big decisions for any boy. He’s happy to play for us at this time and we’re happy to accommodate him.

“He’s always done very well for us and hopefully he’ll realise his potential. Everybody knows his talent and he gets on very well with the rest of the lads in the group.

“Martin has already taken the likes of Shane Duffy, Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick who are still eligible for in his squad and that’s part of the job with the U21s. If Jack is the next one to progress to the senior international team we’ll be delighted for him.”

Ireland, who cannot qualify for next summer’s finals in the Czech Republic, play Germany in Halle on 5 September.

Republic of Ireland U21 squad

Ian Lawlor (Manchester City), Justin Merz (Karlsruher SC), Shane Griffin (Reading), Sean Long (Reading), Pierce Sweeney (Reading), Thomas Hoban (Watford), Jack Connors (Dagenham & Redbridge), Sean Kavanagh (Fulham), Mason Watkins-Clark (Stoke City), Bradley Lewis (Aston Villa), Kieran Sadlier (West Ham Utd), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jack Byrne (Manchester City), Bradley Garmston (West Bromwich Albion), Kenneth McEvoy (Tottenham – on-loan to Peterborough Utd), Sam Byrne (Everton), Conor Wilkinson (Bolton Wanderers).

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