Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that he would have called up Jack Grealish if the 19-year-old had made himself available for selection.
The Aston Villa youngster was not called up to the Ireland squad to face Scotland and England - for whom he is also eligible - next month.
"Yes [I would have included him]. I spoke to the father and said that 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," said O'Neill.
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
"Under Tim Sherwood, he's been playing a lot of games and he has made a very good impression from the start. Obviously as these games go along, he'll get fitter as well too. By starting matches, he seems to be lasting longer in the games as well and doing a lot of good work. So of course the last four or five weeks have made a big difference to Jack's career and obviously to my thinking."
He also confirmed that Grealish is sticking to his decision to park his international future until next season in order to concentrate on club commitments.
"I spoke to both Jack and his father and Jack just didn't want to make his mind up at this stage and wanted to complete the season at Aston Villa with some important games for them coming up. He wants to make his decision at some time in the future."
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