Later today we will know whether Jack Grealish has been called up to the Ireland squad to face England next month. In what is sure to be a contentious decision either way, reports are suggesting that Martin O'Neill has taken the decision to force Grealish's hand in an effort to end the constant speculation about his international future.
However, all of this could be for nothing. In effect, the speculation has been created by a single report in an English newspaper. That's not saying English media is any less trustworthy than Irish media but it does seem unlikely that there would be a leak from O'Neill or his team on that side of the water.
One thing is for sure, this latest development has only served to further cloud a scenario which has been murky at the best of times.
So has the time come for O'Neill to take a proactive approach. In an ideal world, he has had assurances from Grealish and will announce that the decision has been taken to play for Ireland. However, even if that's not the case, quite a few fans want O'Neill to call him up to put and end to the speculation if nothing else.
Would love to see Martin ONeill play his hand today and call up Grealish, least we'll know then what's going to happen!!
— Mark McKernan (@MarcasMac) May 12, 2015
@ballsdotie yep, the longer he waits the more chance England have of snapping him up — Niall Connolly (@Niall_C91) May 12, 2015
@ballsdotie Nothing to lose at this stage. If he's not called up now or rejects the call then that's it he's gone.
— Shane Cox (@ShaneCox_) May 12, 2015
@ballsdotie I know Grealish is young but he understands the dynamics and should make a decision — Alan (@alanjob7) May 12, 2015
@ballsdotie yes absoloutely,they were raving about him on motd sat night so only matter of time hodgson makes a move
— Michael O Sullivan (@Trowel83) May 12, 2015
Grealish will have to get the nod today, or we'll lose him #callupjack — Tony Hoyne (@tonyhoyne) May 12, 2015
@ballsdotie I think he should call him up and if he plays for us great, if not move on as it's becoming boring
— Tony (@MURRAYTone) May 12, 2015
However, if O'Neill has taken the unexpected decision to force Grealish's hand by calling him up without any assurances, it could potentially backfire badly. O'Neill is a football manager and football mangers change jobs more often than players change nationalities.
If it takes the long game to get Grealish to play then surely O'Neill should see long term possibilities over the short term finality of it. It seems very unlikely that were Grealish to be called up, he would happily accept in this situation and that has some fans worried.
@YouBoysInGreen @LukeEdwardsTele don't think it will happen and would be a bad move if O'Neill did this IMO. — Gary Malone (@gazmalone) May 12, 2015
We think Barry may be slightly facetious but yes, we're slightly nervous as well.
@ballsdotie I'm sooo nervous tho. What if he says no? I don't think I could handle the rejection. — Barry O'Connor (@barryoc86) May 12, 2015
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