Former Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham admits he’s not surprised by Jack Grealish’s decision to commit his international future to England.
The long running saga finally come to a conclusion on Monday as the Birmingham born Aston Villa winger confirmed that he will snub the Republic of Ireland and instead declare for England.
Grealish has played with the boys in green all the way up to under 21 level. He took a step away from Noel King’s side to concentrate on his club football last year as he made the breakthrough into the Aston Villa first team.
Cunningham says he was not surprised by Grealish’s decision but he doesn’t think Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill could’ve done anymore to influence the winger.
Cunningham maintains that no player is worth chasing: “I don’t have the attitude that we should go cap in hand or on bended knee to any player no matter how good. I can understand Martin’s situation he’s a very talented player.”
“I’m sure some people will be saying he’s a big loss to us but I don’t look at it like that because it’s not a big loss for me because he didn’t want to put on the jersey”
Cunningam believes the coaches and managers who helped develop Grealish in the Irish underage sides will be disappointed with Monday’s events: “I feel a bit sorry for the managers and coaches at underage level who have worked with Jack Grealish from U16 to U21 who maybe played a part in his development as a player.”
“I’m sure he’d agree the exposure he’s had at underage level with Ireland has helped him mature and develop as a player.” Cunningham said.
“I suppose to a certain extent that’s a little bit of a kick in the stomach for those coaches and managers but that’s it that’s the nature of football. That’s the way it is, we just have to move on. I hope nobody is feeling sorry for themselves”
You can listen to the full interview with former Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham. He's been speaking to 98FM's Darren Cleary.
