It seems that any time the Irish squad meets up that any press conference is dominated by someone who isn't in the squad. In Trapattoni's time it was the likes of Andy Reid and Kevin Doyle whose absence garnered the most attention, but under Martin O'Neill there's just one name on everyone's lips and for a very different reason.
The situation surrounding Jack Grealish's international future is well-documented, but Roy Keane was on media duties yesterday and managed to give his opinion on how the saga will end up.
Keane expressed his frustration that the situation has dragged on as long as it has. (He's not the only one). However, Keane thinks that had Grealish joined the squad he'd have enjoyed it.
I think the frustrating part is that if Jack came here he'd have loved it, playing with Ireland and the senior squad and getting involved.
Despite saying some critical things of Grealish's father, Keane has consistently spoken highly of the 19-year-old Jack, and echoed this again.
What I found working with Jack in my short time at club level is that he's a really good kid.
Obviously, I've never been in that situation and whatever decision he makes will be the right one, whether we like it or not.
Despite this though, reading between the lines of Keane's comments there is a sense that Grealish is leaning towards switching back to the country of his birth at senior international level, which is echoed by the growing confidence amidst the English FA.
He was over at the FAI awards, he's a really nice kid and no doubt it's a difficult decision for him. If you're a betting man. . . I've got my own personal thoughts on what he's going to do.
Grealish's situation won't be resolved soon, so perhaps it's time to focus on the more immediate battle with England tomorrow as they visit Dublin for the first time in 20 years.
