When Ireland under-21 star Jack Grealish was finished sauntering through post-match media duties last week there was a familiar ritual to perform.

Waiting outside Tallaght Stadium to greet the 18-year-old winger was his father Kevin, a constant presence since Jack began showing promise on the pitches of Solihull in the West Midlands, and the person with whom he dissects every display.

Not much has changed in the outlook of Grealish since childhood – he's still wearing the same-sized shinpads too – but the discussions between father and son will, sooner rather than later based on his current trajectory, get serious when it comes to his future for club and country.

For now, at least, Aston Villa and Ireland are the beneficiaries of a player compared more than once by the home crowd on Wednesday to Damien Duff. Robbie Brady exploded onto the under 21 scene two years ago with power and pace, yet while Grealish is no slouch over 20 yards, it's his casual but effective control in tight spaces that conjured images of Duff in his pomp.

Internationally, Grealish has known nothing but Ireland since he declared at 14 through his grandparents from Kerry, Galway and Dublin. England though remain interested and for all the care and attention Noel King has shown since convincing him to stay on board 18 months ago, the youngster hasn't ruled out switching should the call come.

Not that club influences will count for anything in facing such a dilemma. Villa may command a higher transfer fee and Grealish receive more from brands if the Three Lions won his heart, yet that's not his style.

"If I'm enjoying it with Ireland and I won't be pressured into playing for England," says Grealish. "The English FA met dad and I before this campaign started and told me where I'd be playing for them (their under 19s). We had already spoken to Noel (King) by that stage and thought, as I'd be with the under 21s, Ireland was the best place for me.

"It's hard to say what's going to happen because I'm only 18, aren't I? For the next couple of years, I want to play for Ireland. That's not saying I'm going to go back to England – just that you never know what's going to happen."

His rise in the green jersey has not been without its glitches – England tabled the invitation at a time Grealish felt disillusioned after not seeing a minute of action from Paul Doolin during three under 19 UEFA qualifiers in Macedonia in 2012 – but he credits King for keeping faith in him.

"Noel has looked after me really well, so I've a lot to thank him for," he admitted. "He has always insisted I should get a chance with the full squad once I keep performing for the under 21s."

Gaining recognition, not just the recent words of admiration, from Martin O'Neill for the May friendlies may be pivotal to cementing his international future. Once his loan at Notts County ends next month, Grealish will be back at Villa under the wing of Lambert who intends propelling him into the first team next season.

A bigger club profile will only heighten England's interest. Even more so if one of the big clubs tracking Grealish lure him from Villa. Alex McLeish got nervy two years ago when, just weeks after promoting his 16-year-old to the Premier League bench for a game against Chelsea, Grealish was a guest of Rio Ferdinand at his Manchester restaurant. It proved a false alarm. This tyro isn't controlled by an agent, he leaves the business side to his father.

"Villa haven't spoken to me about my future," admitted Grealish. "My contract runs out at the end of next season. Next year, I'll probably know if they rate me or not."

By then, he'll also become aware of where he stands with O'Neill.

Sunday Indo Sport