Ireland vs England: Jack Grealish expects boos from Dublin crowd – Callum Robinson

Ireland striker Callum Robinson says he would be surprised if England’s Jack Grealish does not receive an ice-cold reception from the crowd during Saturday’s Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium.

Born in Birmingham, Grealish represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, qualifying through his grandparents, before making the switch in September 2015.

Manchester City’s Grealish starred in England’s friendly win over Ireland in 2020 but has not played against the ‘Boys in Green’ in Dublin since switching clubs.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who was not used as a substitute in the 2020 friendly, is also preparing for a reunion with Ireland, having made three international appearances in 2018 before deciding to represent England.

Robinson, who is a close friend of Grealish, says the 28-year-old “expects” some abuse from the Irish fans on Saturday.

“I’d be surprised if he wasn’t because I think he gets booed everywhere he goes, even in England,” said the 29-year-old Robinson, who played for England at youth level before moving to Ireland in 2018.

“I think he’ll prepare himself for some abuse, but that’s part of it, it’s part of the game. He’s old enough and now that he’s a senior player, that’s going to happen.

“As I said, he gets it in English games (in the Premier League), I don’t think there will be any change on Saturday, I think he will get it.”