Warning for England's Jack Grealish: Expect 'abuse' from fans during Ireland match

Birmingham-born Grealish initially represented Ireland at Under-17, Under-18, and Under-21 level, thanks to his Irish grandparents. However, in 2015, he made the decision to officially declare for the Three Lions. His return to the national team this month comes after missing out on the Euro 2024 squad over the summer.

Cardiff City star Robinson, who represented England as a youngster before making the switch to Ireland, knows Grealish well having come through the Aston Villa academy together.

While warning home fans at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night will be ready to give the Manchester City a tough night, he insists his old friend is well-equipped to handle a frosty reception.

‘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 said.

‘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.’

Declan Rice could also be in for similar treatment. The Arsenal star also represented The Boys in Green at youth level and made three friendly appearances for the senior side before switching allegiances in 2019.

Interim boss Lee Carsley meanwhile will be leading England for the first time against the nation he won 40 caps for during his playing days, part of the Irish midfield from 1997 to 2008.

Heimir Hallgrimsson will be in the dugout for his first game in charge as Ireland boss, named the permanent replacement for Stephen Kenny who was relieved of his duties earlier this year.

John O’Shea, serving as Hallgrimsson’s assistant manager after his spell in charge as interim boss, has urged the side to avoid the sideshow around Rice and Grealish and focus on getting off to a winning start.

‘It’s a focus on us and the players that are here and the players who want to be here. It’s as simple as that,’ the former Manchester United defender said.

‘He [Rice] is not here, he’s in the England squad so we can’t keep talking about it.’