James McClean picks Republic of Ireland over Northern Ireland as he nears Sunderland move
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/James-McClean-c17703, the 22-year-old midfielder, revealed he was close to switching to the Republic of Ireland national side from the Northern Ireland team after reports that he was close to completing his move to English Premier League side Sunderland.
The midfielder was received a call up for the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming clash against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987
squad.
McClean revealed he had made himself available for the Republic of Ireland squad, despite having previously played for the Northern Ireland side at youth level. He felt he would now receive a chance to feature for the Republic of Ireland, especially since
he was close to completing his move to Sunderland.
McClean said while speaking to reporters:
“It was a blow seeing Irish League players being called up before me to the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Northern-Ireland-c2972 squad, but having got the call I was relieved.
However, it's always been my dream to play for the Republic and hopefully that will become a reality now that I'm going to be a Sunderland player.”
McClean is able to make the switch from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland because of the FIFA ruling, according to which players from Ireland are free to choose which side they wish to represent on the national level provided they have not played
for either side in an international match.
This makes McClean eligible to make the switch, following in footsteps of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paul-c29347 George, amongst others. The Northern Ireland side feel this decision put them at a disadvantage and want FIFA to take action.
Gerry Armstrong, the former Northern Ireland striker, is set to be appointed as the liaison office for international players by the IFA. His main role will be to keep the young players informed about their options regarding which side to choose.
According to Armstrong it was an honour to represent Northern Ireland on an international level, something he felt young players did not realize. He revealed that while his duty was to inform the players, the decision was ultimately theirs.
Armstrong said in an interview:
“Playing for Northern Ireland is a great honour - we need to make sure players realise that from a young age.
I'm disappointed in James' decision but maybe this could be one of those scenarios where I intervene. Ultimately it will be Nigel's decision.”
If the move is completed, McClean will be Sunderland boss Steve Bruce’s tenth signing of the summer transfer window. The Black Cats manager has been highly active this summer and in addition to bringing in new players, has offloaded quite a few too.
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