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Topics: Jack Grealish, Football, Declan Rice, England, Republic of Ireland, Lee Carsley
Ryan Smart
Topics: Jack Grealish, Football, Declan Rice, England, Republic of Ireland, Lee Carsley
Shay Given has revealed he texted Jack Grealish ahead of England's Nations League clash against Republic of Ireland on Saturday - and got a response back.
Grealish was restored to the England squad by interim manager Lee Carsley after missing out on the final Euro 2024 selection.
Speaking in his press conference after announcing the squad, Carsley said of the Manchester City star: "Really excited to work with Jack.
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"Obviously, I've known of Jack for a while. Never worked him before but I've seen his talents, I've seen the ability that he's got.
"He's probably coming in as one of those players that has maybe got a point to prove. I'm looking forward to seeing a fit and motivated Jack Grealish."
The match, which takes place in Dublin, will be a notable occasion for Grealish, who represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level before switching allegiance to England.
The same goes for Arsenal star Declan Rice, who made three senior appearances for Ireland before deciding to play for England in 2019.
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Then there is Carsley himself, who collected 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland as a player between 1997 and 2008.
He also turned down the opportunity to replace Stephen Kenny as the Ireland men's national team manager earlier this year.
And former Ireland and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has warned the trio about the reception they could receive at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
He also revealed what Grealish replied to him after he sent him a text message about the match.
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Given told The Sun: "Lee won't be expecting anything else other than a volatile reception with his team, because it's our biggest rival.
"It's going to be a fiery atmosphere, that's for sure.
"Rice and Grealish are two brilliant players who were both wearing the green of Ireland at one point. I'm sure they'll be in for a bit of a reception as well.
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"I texted him [Grealish] jokingly the other day that I hope he's ready for a nice reception when he gets back to Dublin. I got a few laughing faces back!"