Potentially eligible players thread

[Metrostars]

I don't agree with the ruling, but a with a name like Jermaine Jones......:o

We could do with a Jermaine Jones, he is quite a solid midfielder.

[Cymro]

I meant that his name was just about as un-German as they come. I don't know how he qualifies for Germany, is it residency?

[elroy]

I meant that his name was just about as un-German as they come. I don't know how he qualifies for Germany, is it residency?

Whatever about qualifying to play for a country through a grandparent, qualifying through residency is just wrong in my book. Ie Almunia i think is now eligible to play for England through the residency rule. This just makes a mockery of things if you ask me. I know they have the rule in rugby and cricket but I really dont think its needed in football.

[irishultra]

I meant that his name was just about as un-German as they come. I don't know how he qualifies for Germany, is it residency?

His father is African American and was in the US Army stationed in Frankfurt, he was born there. He's terrible by the way.

[irishfan86]

Whatever about qualifying to play for a country through a grandparent, qualifying through residency is just wrong in my book.

When people move to countries, they often adopt them as their home. Their kids grow up there, they develop relationships with people in the community, and they begin to love the country.

Qualifying through residency is fine in my book. If you can acquire citizenship (something more important than playing international football), then you should be able to represent that country.

[tetsujin1979]

Whatever about qualifying to play for a country through a grandparent, qualifying through residency is just wrong in my book. Ie Almunia i think is now eligible to play for England through the residency rule. This just makes a mockery of things if you ask me. I know they have the rule in rugby and cricket but I really dont think its needed in football.
What about Freddy Adu?

[1882]

It looks like O'Hara is going to Fulham so he should get more first team action there then at Spurs, Trapp might get a better view of him as a player then.

[irishultra]

He doesn't offer enough to get into the Irish first team. Honestly he's not a good player and this seems rather desperate.

[Stuttgart88]

So Kieren Westwood isn't tied to Ireland then?

[John83]

So Kieren Westwood isn't tied to Ireland then?
Westwood has a senior cap. He's tied.

[joema]

Westwood has a senior cap. He's tied.

He's not.

It wasn't a competitive match.

[John83]

He's not.

It wasn't a competitive match.
I thought they'd gotten rid of that poxy loophole.

[joema]

I thought they'd gotten rid of that poxy loophole.

No just look at last few posts, re Jermain Jones...

[Wexford Delboy]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11096_5376656,00.html
doubt he will change over

[NeilMcD]

Great article on this issue in the tribune today. Basically we want the Seamu McDonaghs but we dont want the Bernie Slavens who hoped Ireland got beaten against Romania so he could go home to Middlesbrough

http://www.tribune.ie/sport/other-sport/article/2009/jun/14/trans-america-dave-hannigan-ill-root-for-a-seamus-/

[superfrank]

I meant that his name was just about as un-German as they come.
It's about as un-German as Selcuk Tidim is un-Irish, but nationality is more than your name.

[NeilMcD]

WHich provokes me to ask just for the fun of it pick a world 11 of players who did not play for Ireland but had really irish sounding names.

[Drumcondra 69er]

He's not.

It wasn't a competitive match.

I read a report somewhere over the weekend that was still saying a senior match ties you but from having a nosey on the web it seems to me that it has to be an 'A Category' senior game which would mean a competitive game. There does seem to be some confusion though, is anyone 100% sure on what the rule is?

If it's competitive games and Westwood's not tied it raises questions again about the way that Dean Kiely thing v Nigeria was handled.

Jamie O'Hara said over the weekend he'd issues with comments that Don Givens had made about him a while ago and wouldn't be declaring for us anyway. Not exactly sure what Givens had said though....

[endabob1]

WHich provokes me to ask just for the fun of it pick a world 11 of players who did not play for Ireland but had really irish sounding names.

Completely O/T but during the gaa/afl series a few years back I claimed to an Aussie mate that Michael O'Loughlin (from the Sydney Swans) must be Irish "with a name like that"
It took him half an hour to stop laughing, when he did all he could say was "You pikeys would shag anything"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_O%27Loughlin

[EalingGreen]

Jamie O'Hara said over the weekend he'd issues with comments that Don Givens had made about him a while ago and wouldn't be declaring for us anyway. Not exactly sure what Givens had said though....
If you Google "Jamie O'Hara" + "Don Givens", this report from Feb.08 comes up:


http://www.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/02/01/Prem-OHara-Ireland-link/

Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Don Givens insists that Jamie O’Hara was not considered for his squad as he had shown insufficient commitment to the green jersey.

Tottenham midfielder O’Hara was named in the England squad to take on Ireland at St Marys, Southampton on Tuesday for the European Championship qualifier between the two sides.

However, the 21-year-old’s parents are from Wicklow, and it was believed that he would have welcomed an Ireland call-up.

Nonetheless, Givens insisted that the player was always more likely to opt for England if given a choice between the two.

“We had him watched [at Millwall] and there was contact, but he was never really committed to us,” Givens insisted.

“He was hesitating and we felt that he was keeping his options open.”


P.S. Is it correct that both O'Hara's parents are from Wicklow? If so, does anyone know why it is said he is also eligible for NI? Grandparent?

[Stuttgart88]

Is that true about Slaven? What a cnut.

[NeilMcD]

According to the article its in his book so seems pretty true. I would think that Hannigan is pretty reliable could be wrong.

[Drumcondra 69er]

According to the article its in his book so seems pretty true. I would think that Hannigan is pretty reliable could be wrong.

I wouldn't mind but his first book had an Irish crest on it alongside the boro crest, think it was a pretty poor cash in when he retired, he's had another few books out since then on the ex footballers circut.

[Deckydee]

Is that true about Slaven? What a cnut.

Indeed! :mad:

[Stuttgart88]

Good job he didn't take a peno.

"Slaven steps up, a nation holds its breath.......oh, he's ballooned it over"

[donnymark]

just to add that we foreign born Irish are a mixed up bunch.out of the 3 of us born to tipp and cork parents 1 is totally Irish and into Irish things-me, 1 is half Irish half english-me brother and the 3rd is purely english-me sister.all had exactly the same upbringing and holidays and all the other connections here and back in Ireland.this of course doesnt mean that either of them wouldnt be delighted as well to have a child grace a Ireland shirt one day.
similarly a mate of mine at work has only begun to 'feel' Irish in the last 5 or 6 years.his folks are from cavan and it wasnt until his late 30's he threw away his england gear and got himself a cavan top and a london irish tattoo.
so you see it takes many forms and you cant simply dismiss someone for being plastic or not being Irish.i'd ask people who do this to check out the bit in the constitution dedicated to us...

[Junior]

The Tribune Article says one grandparent from Ireland, Setanta says parents are from Wicklow. Irrespective, read his quotes, this guy is as English as they come and good luck to him, he's made his decision, we should move on.

International football is already scoffed at by many fans of club football, this type of rubbish, whore'ing your country around to any guy who cant get a game for his 'chosen' country is embarassing and imo devalues the committment the likes of Breen, Kilbane etal have made in their careers. Not in my eyes, but in the eyes of the footballing public (if you get what I mean?).

[dodgycanadian]

Seems the North must have made contact with him as well...

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/mclean-a-worthy-contender-14336233.html

[EalingGreen]

Seems the North must have made contact with him as well...

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/mclean-a-worthy-contender-14336233.html

Worthington's policy seems to be to cast his net as widely as possible - all ages, levels, backgrounds and locations etc.

He's undoubtedly made contact with O'Hara, so we may assume he is correct when he says O'Hara is not interested in either Irish team.

[Duggie]

just to add that we foreign born Irish are a mixed up bunch.out of the 3 of us born to tipp and cork parents 1 is totally Irish and into Irish things-me, 1 is half Irish half english-me brother and the 3rd is purely english-me sister.all had exactly the same upbringing and holidays and all the other connections here and back in Ireland.this of course doesnt mean that either of them wouldnt be delighted as well to have a child grace a Ireland shirt one day.
similarly a mate of mine at work has only begun to 'feel' Irish in the last 5 or 6 years.his folks are from cavan and it wasnt until his late 30's he threw away his england gear and got himself a cavan top and a london irish tattoo.
so you see it takes many forms and you cant simply dismiss someone for being plastic or not being Irish.i'd ask people who do this to check out the bit in the constitution dedicated to us...

:rolleyes:

[Lionel Ritchie]

just to add that we foreign born Irish are a mixed up bunch.out of the 3 of us born to tipp and cork parents 1 is totally Irish and into Irish things-me, 1 is half Irish half english-me brother and the 3rd is purely english-me sister.all had exactly the same upbringing and holidays and all the other connections here and back in Ireland.this of course doesnt mean that either of them wouldnt be delighted as well to have a child grace a Ireland shirt one day.
similarly a mate of mine at work has only begun to 'feel' Irish in the last 5 or 6 years.his folks are from cavan and it wasnt until his late 30's he threw away his england gear and got himself a cavan top and a london irish tattoo.
so you see it takes many forms and you cant simply dismiss someone for being plastic or not being Irish.i'd ask people who do this to check out the bit in the constitution dedicated to us...

Welcome aboard Donnymark. Your situation isn't at all uncommon. I have a lot of first cousins in and around London and though the demarkations are by househould they are nonetheles similar to those under your roof. One set (both parents Irish) will say the only thing English about them is their accent and address, another set (1 Irish + 1 English parents) will say they half Irish half English while yet another set ( similarly 1 Irish + 1 English parents) will tell you they're English of Irish extraction.

[geysir]

International football is already scoffed at by many fans of club football, this type of rubbish, whore'ing your country around to any guy who cant get a game for his 'chosen' country is embarassing and imo devalues the committment the likes of Breen, Kilbane etal.

I'd hope the irony does not pass you by.

[magnumpi]

i'd ask people who do this to check out the bit in the constitution dedicated to us...

or go to James Connolly's grave and tell him he wasn't irish because he was born in Edinburgh.

[Wangball]

Fact is any person with an Irish parent or grandparent is as entitled to an Irish passport and citizenship as anyone born here, its their birth right, if they chose to exercise this right and subseuqently chose to represent or even support Ireland at any part of their life then I welcome them with open arms irregardless of their past...sure it isn't ideal but we've got a limited player pool as it is without excluding sons and daughters (grand sons & grand daughters too) of the diaspora, I'd even go as far as suggesting that any Ireland team that excluded players not born in Ireland would not actually be wholly representative of Modern Ireland

[paul_oshea]

can someone tell me why, in general, are the female members of these families always less likely to value their irish heritage?! Maybe the wording there is not quite correct but you get the drift.

[John83]

can someone tell me why, in general, are the female members of these families always less likely to value their irish heritage?!
No, no, you're looking for the misogyny thread.

[Junior]

I'd hope the irony does not pass you by.

Im afraid it has - what am I missing?

[geysir]

Im afraid it has - what am I missing?
You were referring to club fans of the professional and semi pro game earlier? To whom any new recruit, financially induced to come to the club, contract loyalty, usual first photo is the club scarf waved in the air for the satisfaction of simple minded fans that they have a genuine club man. Throw in a decent badge kiss now and again. Two years later they are off following the best offer.
Those fans complaining about a dual national whoring on a limited either/or choice.
Doesn't that strike you as rather odd?

[RiffRaff]

Of the players mentioned, Noble is not interested, O'Hara is more interested in hanging out with a footballer bike (D.Lloyd), Nolan is a championship midfielder (of which we have many) and the Ferdinands probably arent bright enough to point out Ireland on a map, let alone play for us.

[Junior]

You were referring to club fans of the professional and semi pro game earlier? To whom any new recruit, financially induced to come to the club, contract loyalty, usual first photo is the club scarf waved in the air for the satisfaction of simple minded fans that they have a genuine club man. Throw in a decent badge kiss now and again. Two years later they are off following the best offer.
Those fans complaining about a dual national whoring on a limited either/or choice.
Doesn't that strike you as rather odd?

Ok, I see what youre saying now. Its a very valid point.

So are footballers, in the main, mercenaries whether it be the club or country they choose? I think we kind of expect it a club level nowadays with the financial rewards that are available but not at international level surely? Maybe you could only throw that accusation at the small minority of 'Vinnie Jones' but they appear to be on the increase in number.

If that is what International football has become or is becoming and these rule changes are assisting in that process, then Im not in favour.

I want the 11 men in Green to be in no doubt, that they are out there, representing their country for the nation. I dont want it to be anything less.

[as_i_say]

Fact is any person with an Irish parent or grandparent is as entitled to an Irish passport and citizenship as anyone born here, its their birth right, if they chose to exercise this right and subseuqently chose to represent or even support Ireland at any part of their life then I welcome them with open arms irregardless of their past...sure it isn't ideal but we've got a limited player pool as it is without excluding sons and daughters (grand sons & grand daughters too) of the diaspora, I'd even go as far as suggesting that any Ireland team that excluded players not born in Ireland would not actually be wholly representative of Modern Ireland

We're all aware of that fact. There's a distinct difference imo in mindset of the likes of Kilbane or McGeady/Leon Best declaring for us at a young age and some chancer deciding that yeah Oi'm Oirish at 28 just to give their career a boost or because England doesnt want them. E.g Clinton O'chancer Morrisson.

Oh and yeah he gave 100% on the pitch. So bleedin what.

[an_ceannaire]

Irish Blood, English heart, This i'm made of...............

[youngirish]

We're all aware of that fact. There's a distinct difference imo in mindset of the likes of Kilbane or McGeady/Leon Best declaring for us at a young age and some chancer deciding that yeah Oi'm Oirish at 28 just to give their career a boost or because England doesnt want them. E.g Clinton O'chancer Morrisson.

Oh and yeah he gave 100% on the pitch. So bleedin what.

I wouldn't put Leon Best in the same bracket as Kilbane or McGeady. He dithered around before he fully committed himself to us. He even appeared in a couple of England underage squads a few years ago after pulling out of some Irish squads a few months beforehand.

[geysir]

Reality differs somewhat to your interpretation of the Leon saga.
Best's story is much more accurately relayed on the Leon Best thread by Livehead and his account has been verified by events and other sources.

[briar007]

Why do Irish managers of the modern era not look at LOI talent.
There are many very good players whom would aptly fit within the current crop of players, I think its was crazy when we have a goalkeeping crisis that Murphy (Bohs) doesn't even figure in the thoughts of the management, instead they choose two sub-standard keepers who have only played a handfull of games all year. Why don't good professional Irish players in Ireland not get a look in.

Do you think Kevin Doyle would have been called up if he hadn't have signed for Reading ??

[youngirish]

Reality differs somewhat to your interpretation of the Leon saga.
Best's story is much more accurately relayed on the Leon Best thread by Livehead and his account has been verified by events and other sources.

I'm aware of his interpretation. I'm also aware of a number of facts. Best was named in an England U20 squad while he hadn't made himself available for Ireland squads for one reason or another for a long period even though he had been appearing for Southampton in Youth Cup games and reserve outings.

Of course now that Best is a full international he will always claim that he never had any intention to play for anyone other than Ireland. That goes without saying. Westwood I'm sure would say the same as would St Ledger if asked. That doesn't mean it's necessarily 100% true, it's just the way of the world.

[Duggie]

i wouldnt include mcgeady in any of these brackets. yes he was born in scotland but hasnt he stated he was only ever going to play for us surely knowing full well the stick he would get. hes 100% for me.

[shaneker]

I'm aware of his interpretation. I'm also aware of a number of facts. Best was named in an England U20 squad while he hadn't made himself available for Ireland squads for one reason or another for a long period even though he had been appearing for Southampton in Youth Cup games and reserve outings.

Of course now that Best is a full international he will always claim that he never had any intention to play for anyone other than Ireland. That goes without saying. Westwood I'm sure would say the same as would St Ledger if asked. That doesn't mean it's necessarily 100% true, it's just the way of the world.

I will admit having not had any communication with Leon for about 8 years (and then I wasn't his friend by any means) but based on the experience I had of him and his family at school, I will vouch for his commitment to Ireland above England. Not saying I can explain his appearance in the England under-age squad, but I believe he never played for them, whereas he did for us on many occasions. Maybe Livehead can back me up here - he knew him far better than I did.

This isn't fact, so I could be totally wrong - just my opinion based on what I knew of him and his family which, as I say, isn't a huge amount.

[magnumpi]

i'm born in England but raised as Irish. no way I would play for any other country if I was good enough at any sport in which we have a team.

anyone in this situation who choses another country over Ireland is the result of bad parenting.;)

[tetsujin1979]

I wouldn't put Leon Best in the same bracket as Kilbane or McGeady. He dithered around before he fully committed himself to us. He even appeared in a couple of England underage squads a few years ago after pulling out of some Irish squads a few months beforehand.
He didn't even know about the call up to the England squad, and was injured at the time anyway
From http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/best-ireland-my-first-pick-1752299.html

"Ireland and England called me up for the same international dates, but I was on loan to Sheffield Wednesday at the time, I had broken my fifth metatarsal so I wasn't able to play for anyone," Best told the Evening Herald after training with Ireland's senior squad for the first time at Arsenal's training complex in London yesterday. "Ireland have always shown me loyalty and I wanted to show that loyalty back. England called me up as I was doing well at the time, but I always wanted to play for Ireland and Ireland only. It wasn't a case of me making a choice or a career move -- I was injured at the time I was called up by England, so that's why I missed some Ireland games as well.
"When England did call me up for that game against Russia, they didn't contact me or ask me, they just named me in their squad for the game. I didn't know what was happening at the time, but I have always had a strong relationship with Ireland.