Kevin Kilbane: 'Jack Grealish must follow his heart'

Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has told in-demand Jack Grealish to 'follow his heart' when deciding which country to represent.

The Birmingham-born Aston Villa starlet rejected a call-up for the Boys in Green ahead of the friendly with England - for whom he is also eligible - next month.

"The only thing I can really say to him is to go with what he wants, what his heart is telling him," Kilbane is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"That's the thing about international football, it must be what you want."

Kilbane, who was born in Preston, England, won 110 caps for Ireland in a 14-year international career.