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Jack Grealish will not let his unresolved international future affect his development at Aston Villa .

The youngster remains relaxed and focused on progressing into an established first-team member at Villa Park, just as he was when holding contract negotiations with the club.

At the weekend Republic of Ireland and Villa No.2 Roy Keane took a swipe at Grealish’s father, Kevin, for holding up matters as the winger is yet to pledge his international allegiance.

But as the 19-year-old told the Birmingham Mail, he doesn’t get fazed and caught up with talk surrounding his long-term decisions.

“I have just focused on my football this season and I don’t get stressed about matters because that can affect the way I play,” he said.

When talking about signing his new four-year Villa deal, for example, he added: “The main thing for me was leaving my representatives to get on with it.”

Of course, choosing between Ireland and England will be a decision he, ultimately, has to make on his own.

The talented teenager has played for the Boys in Green at youth and U21 level but has not been selected for the senior team as he mulls over his future.

When Keane was asked whether there had been any development on the situation, he replied: “I don’t ask Jack any more.

“Sometimes it’s respect, you don’t want to pester people but, unfortunately, a lot would be coming from Jack’s dad.

“Knowing his dad, we could be waiting a bloody long while.”

In the past Villa boss Paul Lambert has said he will not put pressure on him to make a decision.

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill echoed his words but is still keen to have him on board.

Grealish has spoken about how he wouldn’t be where he is today without the help of his father but there are also other people who have inspired him along the way.

The young winger highlighted development team coach Ben Petty as one of the chief contributors.

He explained how the former Stoke City defender has acted as a ‘second dad’ to him during his rapid rise through the ranks.

Villa’s most promising rookie reserved praise for a host of other staff members, too, as he continues to push for a first league start under Lambert.

“Ben Petty has always been there for me and he has been a massive help,” said Grealish.

“He was my U9 coach and he worked his way up to become the youth team manager.

“It sounds strange but he’s been like a second dad to me because I can tell him anything.

“He’s always there for advice and it’s been good to have someone like that to turn to.

“Ben is that guy who will be there if I have any issues at the club.”

At present Grealish’s only issue is about transforming into a senior star.

He has not featured for Villa since coming on late in the defeat to Manchester City but is keen to improve his game and get more minutes on the pitch.

Speaking about his breakthrough he added: “Growing up in the academy with the likes of Ben, Gordon Cowans, Tony McAndrew, Kevin MacDonald, Bryan Jones looking after us and making us better, that’s been a big part of my development as a player and as a person.

“I look at some of the other players who have come through the academy and who are playing week in, week out, following in the footsteps of someone like Gabby Agbonlahor. That’s my motivation and I’m really determined to do everything I can to contribute to the club.

“Tony was a massive influence for me. He helped me so much coming through. I didn’t stay too long with him but you can see from the other lads that have come through how much he helped.

“Sid (Cowans) was a big help too because just look at what he’s done in the game.”