Ahead of Sunday's soporific encounter between Ireland and England at Lansdowne Road, Roy Hodgson fielded questions regarding the tussle between the two nations for the allegiance of Jack Grealish.
Hodgson said that to his knowledge, Grealish's agent had "initiated" contact with English football's governing body.
Today's Irish Examiner has a report to the contrary. John Fallon writes that sources close to Grealish "dismissed suggestions" that the player or any member of his family had broached the subject of switching allegiance with the FA.
Speaking to Setanta Sports before Sunday's game, Jason McAteer had some advice for the Aston Villa midfielder.
If he doesn't feel that he wants to play for Ireland because he's English then play for England. When it's all over, you don't want to look back and have regrets.
I thought about playing for England because I was asked but as soon as I was asked to play for Ireland, I wanted to play for Ireland. I felt I wanted to do that.
I always remember Ronnie Whelan saying to be 'it'll be the best thing you ever did' and I've got to be honest, I've got to thank him for that because it was the best 12 years of my life.
Video: English-Born Irish Footballers On Making The Decision To Play For The Republic
See also: Paul Scholes Perfectly Summed Up The Borefest That Was Ireland Vs England
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Picture credit: SPORTSFILE
