John Giles: 'Republic of Ireland have lost a star in Jack Grealish'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 30 September 2015

John Giles claims that the Republic of Ireland have missed out on a potential great in Jack Grealish, after the Aston Villa man opted to play for England instead.

John Giles has claimed that the Republic of Ireland have missed out on a real talent in Jack Grealish, after the Aston Villa man opted to play for England instead.

The 20-year-old winger declared on Monday that he intends to represent the Three Lions, despite playing for Ireland at various youth levels.

Giles, who played for and managed Ireland, has said that Grealish could have gone on to be one of the country's all-time greats.

"Ireland have lost a star of the future. Jack Grealish is a player, I have no doubt about that and in years to come, we will have cause to regret the decision he has made," Giles told The Herald.

"It's a big thing to say but I believe Grealish would have been the best ever recruit from the ranks of those born outside the country but have family connections which make them eligible.

"First and foremost, good luck to him. He has made his decision and we must respect it. It was obviously a difficult thing for him to do. But he was born in England, raised in England and has declared for England and when you put it that way, it was the correct decision for him."

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.