Three of the players at the centre of the switiching allegiance controversy from the North to the Republic of Ireland side have all come out and made statements declaring that they are honoured and proud to play for the ROI.
Even though they were born in the North, clearly they have only ever wanted to play for the ROI side.
Here are some quotes from these players
"No disrespect to Northern Ireland, but I would rather be playing for my country."- Shane Duffy.
“It’s the best honour you can get to represent your country; it’s always been a dream of mine to play for Ireland."- Marc Wilson.
“It was unbelievable, you know, making the debut for your country. Everyone from Derry wants to play for Ireland. I grew up supporting Ireland, so it was a natural choice for me." - Darron Gibson
As regards alleged "poaching" of these players. All 3 have also said it was them who made their intentions known to the FAI that they wanted to represent the Republic so it is nonsense to state that the FAI made all the approaches.
As regards the FAI approaching Northern born players there is actually nothing wrong with this as per the CAS ruling last July the FAI are well within their rights to do this.
Proud to play for the Republic of Ireland
posted on 27/6/11
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posted on 28/6/11
Shen buddy you have this all wrong Firstly McCourt never played a minute against ROI so where you have got the working hard idea from I dont know.
secondly Paddy never made his decision two years ago, instead he was first called up as a 19 year old playing for rochdale in the then division 3 and wouldnt even get a look in for the ROI U21 team which is why he accepted. He was hardly in with a chance to play for the ROI back then but now I think he is good enough to make the squad and I think he might have regretted it deep down.
posted on 28/6/11
Yeah thats true about Mc Court. He was selected out of the blue by Sammy Mc Ilroy for NIreland when he was still a teenager playing for Rochdale.
I still don't agree that he would anywhere near the ROI team. Especially with Trapatonni in charge. He does produce the odd moments of brilliance but he doesn't get stuck in enough .
posted on 28/6/11
There was a period before Christmas and before Commons came to Celtic, Paddy was playing out of his skin. Scoring wonder goals and general good play. Around that time I think he could have picked up a few caps for us if we had a less negative manager but with trap, paddy would never stand a chance I agree.
posted on 28/6/11
Thats another thing about Mc Court he is not consistent enough and he has never proven himself in a top league yet.
Yes he owned the ball when he played for Derry City and he is great at dribbling through the defences of the likes of Hamiton, St Mirren and Kilmarnock but he would need to be doing a lot more than that to be considered good enough for the ROI squad
posted on 28/6/11
GODFATHER:
I stand corrected! You're perfectly correct. Pat didnt play against the ROI. I meant to say against Scotland(I think?) in the first match of the Celtic Cup(Which I certainly hope we will see again next year despite all the criticism and controversy of this year.).
I still think PMC is an outstanding player easily capable of a place on the ROI squad if only for his role as an impact sub and proveyor of the "unexpectedly brilliant".
As they say, "Form is temporary, class is permanent!"
Whether Trapp has the sense to pick him is beside the point! I think guys like PMC need careful, insightful management and if they are treated in the right way they can repay big time and I mean big time!!. They often have off the field issues which need addressing, hint, hint.
ROBBIE:
He doesnt need to be consistent, if he can score/create wonder goals every so often at international level !
posted on 28/6/11
Has he scored for NIreland yet?
posted on 28/6/11
pretty sure he hasnt,the NI fans appear to love him -very strange indeed
posted on 29/6/11
He hasnt scored yet, but contrary to popular opinion about him being selfish he has provided about three gilt edge scoring opportunities for team mates who have fluffed them badly!
In my team every time!
posted on 5/7/11
Gervinho
Id also quite like to see a unified team. I works well for the rugby, and bth teams would contribue to a strong squad.
Don't think we'll ever see it though.