We should focus on developing our own players - the reaction to Jack Grealish's decision

ONE OF FOOTBALL’S most protracted sagas has finally drawn to a conclusion after Jack Grealish, the Aston Villa midfielder, declared his international allegiance to England and not Ireland.

The 20-year-old represented the Boys in Green at underage level but has opted to play for the country of his birth, he confirmed on Twitter this afternoon.

Inevitably, there was a mixed response on social media.

Sad to see @JackGrealish1 has chosen to play for England and not us @FAIreland Wish him well for the future #BigTalent
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) September 28, 2015

Shay Given / Twitter

Breaking news: Twitter emojis feel used by Jack Grealish.
— Owen Cowzer (@OCowzer) September 28, 2015

Owen Cowzer / Twitter

Jack Grealish formerly of the Republic of Ireland. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/0nqFjNwrtD
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) September 28, 2015

Sportsfile / Twitter

Could be a coincidence, but Jack Grealish's agent is Jonathan Barnett, who said this recently about Gareth Bale pic.twitter.com/BVD6Us4FNZ
— Nick Miller (@NickMiller79) September 28, 2015

Nick Miller / Twitter

Distraction over, now let's have a serious look into why we produce so few decent young players ourselves #Grealish
— Richie Sadlier (@RichieSadlier) September 28, 2015

Richie Sadlier / Twitter

It's done now. All the best to Jack Grealish. He has made his decision. I hope he gets the international career his talent deserves.
— trev Keane (@trevkeane) September 28, 2015

Trev Keane / Twitter

You know if all these English born lads keep turning down Ireland, it's almost as if the FAI will have to develop their own players soon...
— Dodge (@seidodge) September 28, 2015

Dodge / Twitter

Queen trumps King in Grealish royal rumble pic.twitter.com/AAIFqK2utF
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) September 28, 2015

Neil O'Riordan / Twitter

You can still add him to the Ireland squad on FIFA 16 though. #Grealish
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) September 28, 2015

Ronan Murphy / Twitter

i'm pledging my international football future to Brazil. Eire will always have a special place for me. Slawncha pic.twitter.com/sENBNs9xcu
— David O'Doherty (@phlaimeaux) September 28, 2015

David O'Doherty / Twitter

Best of luck to @JackGrealish1 for the future. Can't be an easy decision deciding between two countries you are tied to
— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) September 28, 2015

YBIG / Twitter

Nasty reaction from many Irish people to @JackGrealish1 decision. How dare he play for the country he was born in, grew up in, lives in etc.
— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) September 28, 2015

Ewan MacKenna / Twitter

Jack Grealish opts to play for England and therefore retire from International Football. Can't blame him, he is English after all.
— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) September 28, 2015

Laurence Kinlan / Twitter

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