Potentially eligible players thread

[ifk101]

At this moment in time he is playing for a better team with a more realistic prospect of qualifying for major tournaments. I don’t think any player with a choice of allegiance will choose us as long as Kenny is there. Maybe a dual wualified Andoran?

You have posted in the past that we (FAI) should not pick NI born players. And you have stated affinity to the North's team.

If the kid wants to play for us that's all well and good. It's up to him to make that known, however.

[tetsujin1979]

At this moment in time he is playing for a better team with a more realistic prospect of qualifying for major tournaments. I don’t think any player with a choice of allegiance will choose us as long as Kenny is there. Maybe a dual wualified Andoran?

Former Scotland underage player Joel Bagan made his debut for the U21s as recently as this week, Sammy Szmodics was called into the senior squad in June.

[CraftyToePoke]

I don’t think any player with a choice of allegiance will choose us as long as Kenny is there. Maybe a dual wualified Andoran?

Mark Sykes moved after speaking / meeting with Kenny.

[ifk101]

Mark Sykes moved after speaking / meeting with Kenny.

A decision he made himself before talking to Kenny is my understanding. Not a case of meeting up for a cappuccino and a chat.

[CraftyToePoke]

A decision he made himself before talking to Kenny is my understanding. Not a case of meeting up for a cappuccino and a chat.

Cappuccino or no Cappuccino my good man, SK didn't put him off is the thing.

[ifk101]

Cappuccino or no Cappuccino my good man, SK didn't put him off is the thing.

Sure, but your initial comment implied Kenny/ the FAI poached the player. As there was no cappuccino and chat, no attempted poaching was executed. :-)

[DCWA]

You have posted in the past that we (FAI) should not pick NI born players. And you have stated affinity to the North's team.

If the kid wants to play for us that's all well and good. It's up to him to make that known, however.

Christ that shows a hell of a lack of understanding of a lot of people in the norths allegiances. It really doesn’t matter who is the better team plenty of us would have no more affiliation to the IFA team if they won the world cup.

[third policeman]

You have posted in the past that we (FAI) should not pick NI born players. And you have stated affinity to the North's team.

If the kid wants to play for us that's all well and good. It's up to him to make that known, however.
I have an affinity with both teams but would prefer to see one. The point was that NI are currently doing better and that might influence the choices made by those with dual eligibility. I thought the point was fairly clear.

[third policeman]

Christ that shows a hell of a lack of understanding of a lot of people in the norths allegiances. It really doesn’t matter who is the better team plenty of us would have no more affiliation to the IFA team if they won the world cup.

I think I’m pretty well informed about the complex allegiances of people from / in NI. The fact is that many players from a ‘nationalist’ background have played for NI for many different reasons. Prospects of getting caps or getting to tournaments are probably material considerations. At the minute it might be a relevant factor given the team’s respective performances.

[Olé Olé]

It feels like Ireland win some and lose some on this - particularly over the past 20 years - and have done okay overall.

I hope for his sake that Bradley turns out to be a good player. Best of luck to him. But I remember another full back from the North that came through the Liverpool academy that we cried out for on here- Ryan McLaughlin. He's spending more time on a boxing podcast than football these days. Rory Donnelly was another we hoped would switch when he refused an NI under 21 call up but he's probably better known for his off field "exploits" too.

Even when I look at the NI squads of late and I see Gavin Whyte, Paul Smyth, Conor Hazard and Shayne Lavery. I would have been one bandying names of the likes of these lads about but I don't think any of them would add anything to our present squad. Maybe the latter pair could reach the level.

And going back to Euro 2016, the North had Michael McGovern, Shane Ferguson, Chris Baird and Niall McGinn and those names don't stir up wistful feelings in me.

On the other hand, I'm loving Shane Duffy and James McClean and their passion and bravery when playing for us. Duffy booting the ball in the sky after our goal v Serbia. McClean giving his jersey to a young lad with a sign post match. I love the pair of them and am delighted they plumped for us.

You win some you lose some but lads like Duffy and McClean knew what they wanted, wholeheartedly pursued it and it has worked out well. Narrow-minded southerners like me ought to sit back and let nature takes it's course.

[Trequartista20]

Mostly true, but I think Lavery has made the jump from Irish League football to the Championship look very easy. He looks to be a very confident, lively and pacy player, with 4 Goals to his name already this season.

Not since maybe Kevin Doyle has a player made the leap from Irish domestic football to the Championship so seamlessly.

[elatedscum]

Mostly true, but I think Lavery has made the jump from Irish League football to the Championship look very easy. He looks to be a very confident, lively and pacy player, with 4 Goals to his name already this season.

Not since maybe Kevin Doyle has a player made the leap from Irish domestic football to the Championship so seamlessly.

Lavery definitely falls in the getting caps or capped early category. His brother was very vocal about the fact that Shane had absolutely no interest in playing for the North but the FAI had no interest in Shane and weren’t interested in calling him up to the 21s (when the north were bringing him into the senior squad).

[Olé Olé]

That's interesting. Would be interested in seeing the brother's comments. Can you remember where they were made?

[Olé Olé]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTk5XUajOtx/

Best of luck to Bradley. Come on Mayo.

[elatedscum]

That's interesting. Would be interested in seeing the brother's comments. Can you remember where they were made?

Pretty sure they were on facebook - there were screenshots floating about, so it was either that or someone messaged him about it and posted the screenshots. His facebook is still pretty open if you wanna do a deep dive back 3-4 years.

[SkStu]

I think I’ve posted here before about him but Peter Kioso nabbed two for Northampton Town last night. He’s 21 and his wiki says he’s from Swords but doesn’t seem to have ever featured for us underage. He was on loan with Bolton in the first half of the season where I saw him play in 2 games and he really impressed me. Good attacking right back. His stats are decent and nice to see him stepping up to L1 with apparent ease.

Anyone got any more info on his national status/allegiances? His parents are from DR Congo.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Kioso

A few more links here - some speculation in the last paragraph of the second link...

https://www.the42.ie/highly-rated-dublin-born-full-back-returns-to-championship-club-5323238-Jan2021/

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/5948457/dublin-peter-kioso-manchester-united-luton-town/

a goal for Kioso again who seems to be continuing to impress in L1 on loan now at MK Dons.

[EalingGreen]

Lavery definitely falls in the getting caps or capped early category. His brother was very vocal about the fact that Shane had absolutely no interest in playing for the North
He seems to be coming round...


https://youtu.be/E_mj6dXyZNo?t=67

[elatedscum]

He seems to be coming round...


https://youtu.be/E_mj6dXyZNo?t=67

I think in general, once people have committed to a decision they tend to get on board with it.

Hopefully we’ll have one team for the island before long. We’d be better without dividing our resources...

[ifk101]

Hopefully we’ll have one team for the island before long.

It already exists. (This has been done to death btw).

[third policeman]

It already exists. (This has been done to death btw).

Then who do Bradley and Lavery play for then, to name but two.

[ifk101]

Then who do Bradley and Lavery play for then, to name but two.

They play for the North.

[third policeman]

They play for the North.
So that’s two teams on the island after all then. Glad we’ve finally found something that we can agree on.

[ifk101]

So that’s two teams on the island after all then.

Yes, FAI and IFA.


Glad we’ve finally found something that we can agree on.

If that means there is one team for the island of Ireland, then yes.

[third policeman]

Yes, FAI and IFA.


If that means there is one team for the island of Ireland, then yes.

I guess we’re splitting hairs on the use and meaning of the word ‘for’.

[CraftyToePoke]

Christy Pym is unlikely to play for Peterborough again, after a dressing room incident post the 3-1 loss to Reading a week ago according to his manager there.
Seems to have been between himself and Ferguson and went beyond just words exchanged. The positioning of a wall for a free kick which flew in and whether Pym might have come for a cross late on and cleared everyone out are thought to be the focus of the criticism. Anyway it didn't go well & the legality / contract side of it are the reason he is still at the club at all reading between the lines in the last week.



https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/peterborough-united-boss-would-sign-a-new-goalkeeper-rather-than-recall-christy-pym-3390958

[paul_oshea]

Has Kieran dowell been mentioned here before?

[liamoo11]

Has Kieran dowell been mentioned here before?

Yeah good few years back in his everton days. Think Kenny said he was a generation out so not eligible. I don't have a link but I think that was the story

[elatedscum]

Christy Pym is unlikely to play for Peterborough again, after a dressing room incident post the 3-1 loss to Reading a week ago according to his manager there.
Seems to have been between himself and Ferguson and went beyond just words exchanged. The positioning of a wall for a free kick which flew in and whether Pym might have come for a cross late on and cleared everyone out are thought to be the focus of the criticism. Anyway it didn't go well & the legality / contract side of it are the reason he is still at the club at all reading between the lines in the last week.



https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/peterborough-united-boss-would-sign-a-new-goalkeeper-rather-than-recall-christy-pym-3390958

Pym did a ‘Ferguson on Beckham’ on Ferguson so to speak...

[CraftyToePoke]

Pym did a ‘Ferguson on Beckham’ on Ferguson so to speak...

Thats the story alright, yeah.

[Olé Olé]

Remember Quivi Fowler? Was one of the Irish qualified prodigious young talents that was spoken about a little less than John Joe Finn and Zak Gilsenan. Not sure where he is playing now but he was released by David Connolly's old side Excelsior last summer.

Anyway, lovely little pic here. His sister plays for Australia and was greeted by her grandad at the Ireland Australia game: https://twitter.com/sportsfilesteve/status/1440453057980952590?s=20

[Paddy Garcia]

Closing The Doors

Anselmo Garcia McNulty

https://twitter.com/R9Irish/status/1443272414243209217

These are the statements which we should respond to by closing the door and replacing with players who ARE closing the door on other countries. Does not matter where they are born, does matter where their commitment lies

[Olé Olé]

Man born and bred in Spain with an Irish mother happy and proud to represent Ireland but not against the idea of representing Spain. Shocking stuff.

[elatedscum]

Closing The Doors

Anselmo Garcia McNulty

https://twitter.com/R9Irish/status/1443272414243209217

These are the statements which we should respond to by closing the door and replacing with players who ARE closing the door on other countries. Does not matter where they are born, does matter where their commitment lies

The reality is, players like Tony Cascarino, Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend, Jason McAteer - they were never asked these questions at that young an age. He’s talking to a Spanish newspaper, where there’s a certain audience and a certain expectation.

Anselmo is 18. He’s been to every 16s, 17s, 19s and 21s squad since he was 14 or 15. He’s never missed a call up. Why on earth would you alienate a young player who is a model pro and is one of our most talented young lads. Seriously, it’s the stock answer for all young players with dual eligibility with some degree of nuance. Both for the lads born in ireland of Albanian or Nigerian descent or the lads born in Europe of irish descent (Noss, McNulty, Johansson)

[Eirambler]

I'll never understand the inconsistency of views from Ireland supporters regarding dual nationals.

Mipo Odubeko, born and raised in Dublin - but if he decides to play for Nigeria that's generally accepted as absolutely fine in terms of his heritage (as long as he doesn't play for England).

Anselmo Garcia, born and raised in Spain - if he doesn't completely close the door on Spain at 18 he should be told to fcuk off.

It's bizarre.

[sadloserkid]

I'll never understand the inconsistency of views from Ireland supporters regarding dual nationals.

Plenty of very foolish people out there Eirambler. The complexity of dual nationality seems to elude them.

[Bielsa´s irish]

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/6718954/irish-qualified-mechelen-sandy-walsh-international-allegiance/

[Bielsa´s irish]

Sandy Walsh has paperwork done

[Olé Olé]

I'll never understand the inconsistency of views from Ireland supporters regarding dual nationals.

Mipo Odubeko, born and raised in Dublin - but if he decides to play for Nigeria that's generally accepted as absolutely fine in terms of his heritage (as long as he doesn't play for England).

Anselmo Garcia, born and raised in Spain - if he doesn't completely close the door on Spain at 18 he should be told to fcuk off.

It's bizarre.
You're absolutely correct. It is bizarre.

I've only seen Scully and Keane play once or twice each and not this season. You should see the screaming over on YBIG about Scully being overlooked for Keane. Have these people seen either play or appreciate their position? And then you have the posters who reference Keane's representation of England. He did represent England and he did it many more times than Scully did. But, Scully did.

When people only see things in black and white, they leave themselves open to such inconsistency.

[Olé Olé]

Sandy Walsh has paperwork done

Pity for him he's not a midfielder or a forward.

[Eirambler]

You're absolutely correct. It is bizarre.

I've only seen Scully and Keane play once or twice each and not this season. You should see the screaming over on YBIG about Scully being overlooked for Keane. Have these people seen either play or appreciate their position? And then you have the posters who reference Keane's representation of England. He did represent England and he did it many more times than Scully did. But, Scully did.

When people only see things in black and white, they leave themselves open to such inconsistency.

Yes, I'll never understand the issue with players having played underage for other countries. It happens all the time, loads of our squad have played for England and NI at underage level, it is what it is.

Personally, and maybe it's just me, but I'd like to see the eligibility and switching criteria massively simplified compared to what it is now. Simply, at underage level, let players play for any country they're eligible for without it locking them in to any one country. Underage football is really just about player development anyway, the nationality side of it doesn't really matter too much. But at senior level make it that once you're capped for a country at senior international level after your 18th birthday, that's it, no more changing. Would make things so much more straightforward.

[Eminence Grise]

Pity for him he's not a midfielder or a forward.


Don't worry - it won't be long before tells Bielsa us he's Tony Galvin/Liam Brady/Cillian Sheridan reincarnate.:cool:

In fairness, Bielsa - good spot. Has anyone seen him play?

[tetsujin1979]

Don't worry - it won't be long before tells Bielsa us he's Tony Galvin/Liam Brady/Cillian Sheridan reincarnate.:cool:

In fairness, Bielsa - good spot. Has anyone seen him play?
He's been discussed here before



Speaking off the Belgian League.
Has Sandy Walsh made any comments about playing for Ireland? Although he is way behind Coleman, Doherty & Christie in the pecking order.
His mother is Dutch and of Indonesian descent. His Wiki is listing him as Indonesian (could have been anyone) but his Twitter page is full of references to Indonesia.


Just noticed this now but Dutch born right back Sandy Walsh has joined Zulte Waregem from Genk in the Belgian top division.


Dutch born playing for Genk

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Walsh

Qualifies as per his Twitter.

Could he be the new Barry Maguire?
Call him up Mart?


Tweet from Aidan Fitzmaurice says Sandy Walsh of KRC Genk is eligible.
https://twitter.com/fitzmaidan/status/758710777004093441

According to his wiki page. He was born in Brussels but has played for Holland through all the ages groups up to U20.

Another Barry Maguire?


There was a Robin Walsh in the Anderlecht youth set up and he's played underage for us, along with Liam Bossin, also from Anderlecht....could Belgium be the new 2nd gen hunting ground?!!!

[Eminence Grise]

The spot was the paperwork update.

[Paddy Garcia]

Man born and bred in Spain with an Irish mother happy and proud to represent Ireland but not against the idea of representing Spain. Shocking stuff.

Dropped from the squad today. Genuinely hope its not a reaction to his non-committal statement.

Yourself and Eirambler seem to think the decision to play underage international football is akin to picking a pair of shoes - temporary and interchangeable. It's not.

Plenty of "foolish people" have had enough of the Grealish and Rice type embarrassments. I seem to have expressed a naive view that players pulling on the Irish shirt should commit to Ireland - shocking stuff.

My family have played underage for Ireland and every shirt is cherished - I really don't think this is anywhere near understood.

[JR89]

Lads playing no football this season bar the odd game for their U19s as Wolfsburg have done away with their reserve team, and he's always been an unused sub in any match day squad he's been in. More than likely gonna be in the U19s instead for November. Probably wouldn't have been with the U21s only for the U19s not playing in nearly two years.

[elatedscum]

Dropped from the squad today. Genuinely hope its not a reaction to his non-committal statement.




Lads playing no football this season bar the odd game for their U19s as Wolfsburg have done away with their reserve team, and he's always been an unused sub in any match day squad he's been in. More than likely gonna be in the U19s instead for November. Probably wouldn't have been with the U21s only for the U19s not playing in nearly two years.

He was 4th choice centre half recently for the 21s: McGuinness, McEntee and O’Brien all ahead of him. Along with Collins and Omobamidele. Normally you’d have 4 centre halves involved but that’s for 2 games. The 4th choice is more likely to be useful playing or on the bench in the second game.

Due to the complications with the English and German based players: it’s already a 24 man squad without him and only 20 in the match day squad, often your second centre half will miss out on the match day squad with 9 subs and he’s unavailable for game 2, so not like if there’s an injury in game 1 that they can use him in the second game. Instead they chose to integrate someone like Kerrigan in the squad who will likely play the second game

[Bielsa´s irish]

The spot was the paperwork update.

And Walsh scored a wonder goal in Belgium

[MancIrishWolf]

Apologies if mentioned before, but just noticed Anthony Gordon from Everton is eligible via a Grandparent. Having a tidy enough game against United playing in midfield, where we are sadly lacking. Certainly a step up from Will Keane in terms of poaching off England.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Gordon_(footballer)

[third policeman]

That’s interesting and certainly worth pursuing. Forgive the lateral departure but does anyone have an update on Will Smallbone’s recovery? Two premiership quality young midfielders would make a massive difference to the team.

[Eirambler]

Smallbone is back in training I think. But it can be a good few months between starting training and being fully match fit coming back from that kind of injury.