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Aston Villa's highly-rated starlet Jack Grealish is considering snubbing Roy Keane to play for England.

Attacking midfielder Grealish, 18, is set for a breakthrough season at Villa this year after coming off the bench on the opening day.

He is poised to start for Paul Lambert's side in their home Capital One Cup tie against Leyton Orient tomorrow.

Grealish has also been named in Ireland's latest U-21 squad for their final UEFA qualifier in Germany on September 5, where he is likely to win his sixth cap.

But the talented England-born Brummie is still eligible to represent England and Grealish is considering his options despite Ireland's desire to give him a senior cap.

It puts him at odds with Villa's new assistant manager Keane, who is also Martin O'Neill's No.2 for Ireland.

But Villa boss Lambert insisted: “Jack will do what's right. There's no pressure from me whatsoever.”

Grealish, whose best position is left-sided attacking midfield, was so good in pre-season Lambert nearly started him at Stoke on the opening day.

He came off the bench for the final 19 minutes and was ready to come on as sub against Newcastle last weekend until Lambert was forced into a defensive change when Aly Cissokho hobbled off.

Tying Grealish down on a new long-term five-year deal will be one of new Villa CEO Tom Fox's priorities as his current terms expire next year.

Grealish's reputation has soared since a successful loan spell at League One Notts County last term and he has looked sharp this summer.