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Aston Villa rising star Jack Grealish has rejected a first senior Republic of Ireland call-up for next month's games against England and Scotland. Grealish, 19, was widely tipped to be included in the squad that Ireland manager Martin O'Neill named on Tuesday afternoon, but his name was conspicuous by its absence in the 33-strong list when it was eventually made public. The Birmingham-born midfielder can also play for England but has already represented Republic of Ireland at under-21 level. Speaking at a news conference in Dublin, O'Neill said: "I spoke to both Jack and his father, and I think Jack just didn't want to make his mind up at this stage. He wanted to complete the season at Aston Villa -- there are some important games for them coming up -- and he wants to make his decision at some time in the future.'' The Republic and England have been involved in a battle for Grealish for some time with O'Neill's No. 2 trying his best to persuade the teenager to declare for Ireland during his spell at Villa Park as Paul Lambert's assistant. He had indicated that he would not make a decision until the start of next season, and later hinted he might opt to wear the green shirt, but initially for Noel King's U21s side. However, given his rise to the fore at Villa in recent weeks -- he turned in a fine individual display in the club's FA Cup semifinal victory over Liverpool -- O'Neill chanced his arm once again. Asked if he was disappointed by the player's response, he said: "Yes, I suppose I am. He has been doing very well recently and it would have been nice, but that's Jack's decision. "I spoke to the father and said I would like to have brought him into it, but of course you don't want to force someone who might not want to make that decision just at this moment.'' Elsewhere in the provisional squad, which will be whittled down before the players meet up on June 1, there were places for Brentford midfielder Alan Judge and Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney, while Bournemouth's Harry Arter, who was called up in March, retained his place for the friendly against England on June 7 and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland six days later. Experienced duo John O'Shea and Robbie Keane were both named in the party despite currently nursing rib and groin injuries respectively, although O'Neill is confident both will be fit.
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