Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish receives vile Twitter abuse after choosing to play for England over Ireland

  • Jack Grealish has chosen to play senior international football for England
  • Aston Villa revealed midfielder Grealish's decision on Twitter on Monday 
  • The 20-year-old Grealish had represented Ireland at youth level 
  • Roy Hodgson's assistant Ray Lewington watched him play on Saturday

By Jack Bezants for MailOnline

Published: 07:03 EST, 28 September 2015 | Updated: 11:07 EST, 28 September 2015

Jack Grealish's decision to represent England rather than Ireland at senior international level was met with threatening Twitter abuse on Monday.

The 20-year-old Aston Villa midfielder played for Ireland at youth level before his displays at Villa Park under the guidance of Tim Sherwood caught the eye of England manager Roy Hodgson and Grealish has now opted for the Three Lions.

But after tweeting a statement explaining his reasons, one Twitter user responded calling him a 'snake', with another wishing him a broken leg.

Jack Grealish (centre) has chosen to play for England instead of Ireland at senior international level 

Jack Grealish (centre) has chosen to play for England instead of Ireland at senior international level 

Grealish (right) has played for Ireland at youth level but says he will now 'represent my country of birth'

Grealish (right) has played for Ireland at youth level but says he will now 'represent my country of birth'

Grealish took to the social network site to explain that his decision had been a difficult one but he opted for England because he was born there.

'I have decided to give my allegiance to England,' Grealish said in a statement posted on Twitter. 'It was not an easy decision as Ireland has a special place through my family. 

'However, I have decided to represent my country of birth.' 

Hodgson’s assistant, Ray Lewington, was present at Anfield on Saturday to watch Grealish in action during his side's 3-2 defeat by Liverpool.

With England’s qualification for Euro 2016 in France already secured, Hodgson has confirmed he is likely to use the remaining games to take a look at some different players. 

And Grealish's decision means he could be called up to the England squad to feature in the remaining qualifiers against Estonia at Wembley on October 9 and the away match in Lithuania three days later.

Grealish qualified to play for Martin O'Neill's side through his Irish-born grandparents, something Hodgson has described as a 'tenuous link.'

Grealish (right) was watched by Roy Hodgson's assistant, Ray Lewington, against Liverpool on Saturday

Grealish (right) was watched by Roy Hodgson's assistant, Ray Lewington, against Liverpool on Saturday

Grealish has been impressive for Aston Villa since being given a run in the first team by Tim Sherwood

Grealish, who has flourished at Aston Villa this season, qualifies to play for England or the Republic of Ireland

Grealish, who has flourished at Aston Villa this season, qualifies to play for England or the Republic of Ireland

Grealish's former team-mate at Villa, Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, was quick to reveal his disappointment that Grealish has decided he wants to play for England.

'Sad to see @JackGrealish1 has chosen to play for England and not us @FAIreland Wish him well for the future #BigTalent,' Given wrote.

 

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