Barton turns down Northern Ireland
Teenager Adam Barton has declined Northern Ireland’s call up for the two European Championship qualifying games in October.
The Preston North End player wishes to remain eligible for England. Barton was born in Blackburn, but qualifies for Northern Ireland under the parent rule.
Barton has played for the Northern Ireland under-21 side, but he is eager to keep his chances of playing for England alive.
The Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington said, "I'm disappointed but I fully understand Adam's situation.”
The Irish Football Association said that the teenager "has decided that he would like to keep his options open with regards to England and also concentrate on his club career at Preston North End".
The Preston North End midfielder is only 19 years old, but has interested a number of Premier League clubs with his performances. Though the midfielder was not expected to start he would have gained some valuable experience within the squad for the games
against Italy and the Faroe Islands.
However, by accepting the call up the player would have ended any hopes of playing for his native England. Despite featuring for the under-21’s the player can still switch allegiances as the rule is only in relation to senior call-ups.
Northern Ireland have had a great start to their qualifying campaign. They recorded a superb 1-0 away win against a much more fancied Slovenian side. Slovenia qualified for the last World Cup and were expected to easily beat Northern Ireland. This has already
given the Northern Irish a great chance of qualifying.
Manager, Nigel Worthington will expect to take three points from his encounter with the Faroe Islands and Italy will not be looking forward to playing at Windsor Park. Northern Ireland have proven that they can beat anyone at home and will hope to pick up
at least a point against the Italians.
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