Jack Grealish texted stark warning from 69-appearance former Manchester City star

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish has received a warning from former goalkeeper Shay Given ahead of England’s clash against the Republic of Ireland.

The 28-year-old is one of three Manchester City players to be in the England squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against both the Republic of Ireland and Finland this month, with the midfielder recalled by interim manager Lee Carsley.

Grealish was dramatically axed from the Three Lions squad ahead of the European Championship in Germany by Gareth Southgate this summer, but returns to the England set-up alongside John Stones and Rico Lewis.

Phil Foden has been forced to withdraw from international duty for the two upcoming fixtures due to continued illness, meanwhile Kyle Walker wasn’t selected by the newly-appointed manager for the clashes at the Aviva Stadium and Wembley Stadium.

Grealish is one of two players within the England squad to have previously represented Ireland internationally however, with the forward having played six times at an Under-21 level before switching allegiance in April 2016.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice also changed his allegiance from Ireland to England during his footballing career, with the pair reportedly set to face a “fiery” reception on Saturday, according to former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given.

Given, who is the second-highest capped Republic of Ireland player of all-time, told The Sun: “Rice and Grealish are two brilliant players who were both wearing the green of Ireland at one point. I’m sure they’ll be in for a bit of a reception as well.

“Jack’s back in the squad. I texted him jokingly the other day that I hope he’s ready for a nice reception when he gets back to Dublin and I got a few laughing faces back.

“Lee won’t be expecting anything else other than a volatile reception with his team because it’s our biggest rival. It’s going to be a fiery atmosphere, that’s for sure.  I don’t imagine Lee will be doing a lap of honour after the game! He knows what he’s walking into.”

Grealish enjoyed an entire pre-season campaign with Manchester City and made his first Premier League start against West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday evening, impressing during the 1-3 victory.