Jack Grealish has been warned by a close pal to expect a hostile reception when England clash with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
Newly reinstated into the England squad by manager Lee Carsley, Grealish is set to feature in the first match following Gareth Southgate's tenure. His call-up for the Nations League fixture has caused quite a stir, with his name among the notable inclusions such as Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Rico Lewis and Tino Livramento.
The Manchester City ace is keen to make an impact after being overlooked for Euro 2024, but he'll also have to contend with the charged atmosphere at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, returning to play against a nation he once represented at youth levels.
Callum Robinson, who shared time with Grealish at Aston Villa and remains a good friend, anticipates a rough welcome for the winger upon his first touch of the ball.
"I don't know what abuse he might get but I think he'll be expecting it," Robinson commented. "I'll be surprised if he doesn't because he gets booed anywhere he goes, even in England, so I think he'll be getting ready for a bit of abuse."
He added: "But that's part of it, that's part of the game and I think he's old enough and being a senior player to know that stuff is going to come. He gets it in England games anyway, or English games in the Prem, so I don't think there will be any change on Saturday he will be getting it."
Paul Robinson playfully warned Jack Grealish to brace for a "nice reception" upon his return to Dublin, echoing former teammate Shay Given's remarks in The Sun: "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."
Robinson went on to reflect on their long-standing friendship and careers: "Me and Jack are really good friends since we started together when we were 13, 14. We're grateful that we've made a career in the game. He went on to do really good stuff and I've made a career out of it as well. It feels good that we're playing against each other at this level in international football. It will be nice."
Grealish is not the only one set to face a tough crowd in Ireland; Declan Rice will likely receive a chilled response, having decided to represent England over Ireland in 2019 after previously playing for the latter.
Moreover, Lee Carsley, an ex-Ireland international with 40 caps, finds himself in a similar boat as he returns with his England squad. At 50, Carsley has been handed the reins following an impressive tenure with the England under-21 side.
