Yer Ma
11/01/2002, 9:34 AM
"Subject: Rochdale's teen star in demand
Officials from Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic are both chasing the services of Rochdale's teenage sensation Patrick McCourt.
The 18-year-old has come through the Northern Ireland ranks and played for the senior side in a friendly against Macclesfield Town for McIlroy's testimonial match in November.
But Rochdale confirmed that they have received an approach from Eire officials with a view to selecting McCourt for their Under-21s next month - a move certain to put them on a collision course with their colleagues north of the border."
I find this unbelievable. We have been putting this young fella through the Northern Ireland national team for the past number of years and now your association would like to approach him because he's a half decent player. This is so out of order....have you guys run out of Englishmen to approach that you now have to start poaching players from north of the border? Disgrace.
Officials from Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic are both chasing the services of Rochdale's teenage sensation Patrick McCourt.
The 18-year-old has come through the Northern Ireland ranks and played for the senior side in a friendly against Macclesfield Town for McIlroy's testimonial match in November.
But Rochdale confirmed that they have received an approach from Eire officials with a view to selecting McCourt for their Under-21s next month - a move certain to put them on a collision course with their colleagues north of the border."
I find this unbelievable. We have been putting this young fella through the Northern Ireland national team for the past number of years and now your association would like to approach him because he's a half decent player. This is so out of order....have you guys run out of Englishmen to approach that you now have to start poaching players from north of the border? Disgrace.