Stan Collymore: 'Jack Grealish could be influential for England'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 29 September 2015

Ex-Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore suggests that Jack Grealish could go on to be an important player for England, after deciding to play for the Three Lions.

Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has suggested that Jack Grealish could go on to be an important player for England, after he pledged his allegiance to the Three Lions.

The Villa winger has declared that he intends to play international football for England as opposed to the Republic of Ireland, despite having represented the Irish side at Under-21 level.

Collymore has said that the 20-year-old offers the England side an attacking quality that it is currently lacking.

"As an Englishman I'm more than happy that our Jack has plumped for the Three Lions. He's got ability for fun, is something very different from what we have in England across the attacking midfield line, and with the right guidance, could be incredibly influential in years to come," Collymore told Boyle Sports.

"He drifts almost Waddle like with the ball, has a few years left of physical growth which will see him out power the likes of Sterling, Walcott and Wilshere, has an eye for goal and a beautiful slide rule pass in his locker."

Grealish is awaiting clearance from FIFA, which means that next week's Euro 2016 qualifiers could come too soon for him to make his international debut.