Jack Grealish: Aston Villa winger set for Republic of Ireland

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Jack Grealish comes from Solihull in the West Midlands

Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish is set to turn down England and declare for the Republic of Ireland.

The Birmingham-born 19-year-old could make his Ireland debut in a friendly against the United States on 18 November.

However, he could still opt to play for England until he plays for the Republic in a senior competitive international.

Earlier this week Grealish, capped by Ireland at under-21 level, signed a new four-year deal with Villa.

It is understood Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill met with Grealish and his father in September and was happy for a decision to wait until the player's club future had been settled.

Grealish made his breakthrough with Villa this season, coming on as a substitute in four Premier League matches and playing the full 90 minutes of a Capital One Cup tie.

The midfielder, a product of the Villa academy, spent last season on loan at Notts County.

His grandfather comes from Gort in County Wicklow and, after the Republic's 1-1 draw in Tuesday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Germany, he tweeted: "Come on you boys in green."

On Friday, Dublin-based newspapers the Irish Times and the Irish Independent reported that Grealish was likely to play against the USA.