Roy Keane comments make clear his feelings on England's ex-Ireland duo
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane hinted that he was unhappy with Declan Rice and Jack Grealish's decision to switch their international allegiance back in 2022
Roy Keane has never been one to shirk sharing his opinion - so it should come as no surprise he has strong feelings over Declan Rice and Jack Grealish choosing to switch their international allegiance.
Both Rice and Grealish were capped by the Republic of Ireland at both youth and senior level earlier in their careers. But the duo will be lining up for England in Dublin on Saturday night after pledging their allegiance to the Three Lions.
Given the rivalry between Ireland and England, Rice and Grealish are expected to come in for their fair share of stick from the home fans at The Aviva Stadium.
Keane amassed 67 appearances for his country over more than a decade of service for the national team and will likely take a keen interest in the UEFA Nations League match.
Intriguingly, the proud Irishman has already hinted at his true feelings over Grealish and Rice's decision to swap Ireland for England following an exchange which took place during a match between England and Germany in 2022.
His comments occurred during a segment on ITV Sport focusing on Jamal Musiala: the talented young Bayern Munich midfielder who opted to switch his allegiance from England to Germany.
Like Grealish and Rice, Musiala had represented England at youth level before switching. But during a debate over the youngster's decision, Keane mischievously chimed in saying: "It’s good that England have been given a taste of their own medicine. They took Rice and Grealish. Don’t get me started on that."
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Both Grealish and Rice qualified to play for Ireland through their grandparents before finally choosing to represent England. The latter was even tipped as a future Ireland captain after impressing during Martin O'Neill's tenure.
Ireland forward Callum Robinson knows Grealish from their time together in the academy at Aston Villa and he feels his old pal will be braced for abuse from the terraces - but he's not sure it will affect him.
"I think he’ll be getting ready for a bit of abuse but that’s part of it, it’s part of the game. 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."
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