Jack Grealish, who initially played for Ireland at the youth level before switching his allegiance to England, is expected to face a hostile reception from Irish fans during Saturday’s Nations League match in Dublin.
Ireland striker Callum Robinson, who made the reverse switch from England’s youth teams to represent Ireland, acknowledged the likelihood of Grealish receiving some abuse from the home crowd.
The Manchester City forward, who was initially left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad by former head coach Gareth Southgate, was recently recalled by interim manager Lee Carsley for the upcoming fixtures against Ireland and Finland.
Despite the anticipated tough reception, Robinson believes the 28-year-old Grealish is prepared to handle the pressure.
“I think he’ll be getting ready for a bit of abuse, but that’s part of it; it’s part of the game,” Robinson, Grealish’s former teammate at Aston Villa, said on Tuesday.
“He’s old enough, and with being a senior player now, that stuff’s going to come.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t because I think he gets booed anywhere he goes anyway, even in England.”