Eligibility Rules, Okay

[third policeman]

I was under the impression that once you had a passport you were eligible but it seems not ? Crazy. I’d much rather see the likes of Ogbene playing for us than some second or third generation lad who has never set foot in the country. Nothing against those guys, but I don’t see how you can have the same feeling as someone who grew up here.

I think there have been quite a few 2nd generation players who have had a real affinity with Ireland starting with the likes of Shay Brennan and Charley Gallagher. Kilbane would be the outstanding example, but there are many more Walters, Aldridge, Sheedy, Carsley etc who were clearly not playing for us for opportunistic reasons. There have been a few mercenaries along the way too. The worrying thing is that we have missed out on so many 2nd G players of late for reasons that have more to with career prospects than identity or affinity. Playing for England has a massive income generating potential, and the prospect of almost automatic qualification for tournaments. It’s probably not a coincidence that we attracted more 2nd and 3rd G players when we had a better team and got to finals.

[pineapple stu]

Don't think you can have a discussion of that without mentioning the guy who wore an Ireland jersey to school in England on a certain June day in 1988!

[SkStu]

Don't think you can have a discussion of that without mentioning the guy who wore an Ireland jersey to school in England on a certain June day in 1988!

Brings a shiver to the spine! Love it.

[Eminence Grise]

Shivers in more ways than one...

[seanfhear]

Don't think you can have a discussion of that without mentioning the guy who wore an Ireland jersey to school in England on a certain June day in 1988!

In fairness in those days there was probably a lot of Irish Kids ( well children of Irish People ) in some of the London schools.

[tetsujin1979]

And in Preston?

[tetsujin1979]

Darragh Burns in the process of switching allegiance from the north

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/old-school-burns-a-breath-of-fresh-air-40978407.html

[TonyD]

Darragh Burns in the process of switching allegiance from the north
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soc...-40978407.html

Great news. He’s a serious talent, as he showed again on Friday night. Looking forward to seeing him in the Cup Final on the Aviva pitch. No reason why he can’t go on to become a senior international. Sadly that will probably only happen if he leaves Pats to go across the water. Just hoping we can hang onto him for a while longer.

[TonyD]

I think there have been quite a few 2nd generation players who have had a real affinity with Ireland starting with the likes of Shay Brennan and Charley Gallagher. Kilbane would be the outstanding example, but there are many more Walters, Aldridge, Sheedy, Carsley etc who were clearly not playing for us for opportunistic reasons. There have been a few mercenaries along the way too. The worrying thing is that we have missed out on so many 2nd G players of late for reasons that have more to with career prospects than identity or affinity. Playing for England has a massive income generating potential, and the prospect of almost automatic qualification for tournaments. It’s probably not a coincidence that we attracted more 2nd and 3rd G players when we had a better team and got to finals.

I wasn’t really doubting any of that, especially in the case of Kilbane. Always loved his attitude. For a lot of the others though, I imagine it was more of a good career move. And I’m not necessarily knocking that. Andy Townsend would be a prime example. No way was he champing at the bit to play for us, but when the chance came to play international football he said yes, and he always performed well in the green shirt. To be honest, if we are missing out on lads at the moment because we’re not doing so well, than I’m ok with that too. The likes of Rice and Grealish I have no problem waving on their way.

[Fixer82]

What’s the deal with Conor Gallagher? Is he eligible?

[ColourfulPeanut]

Rules are as clear as mud now but seemingly once you play a competitive game at any level after turning 21, then you're tied to that country. Gallagher has played for England 21s since turning 21 so would tie him down.

Not that it matters, he's a nailed on future England international and has no reason to change.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Covid reasons in TAS COULD help

[NeverFeltBetter]

Meanwhile, in other sports: https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/...-rugby-motion/

The new regulation, which will come into effect from 1 January 2022, had been lobbied for in particular by the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare group in recent years.
It means that players can represent a second team in Test rugby, provided they have a blood connection to the country, and have not been capped in the previous three years.

Imagine if this was the rule in football. Who would we be after?

[third policeman]

Meanwhile, in other sports: https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2021/...-rugby-motion/



Imagine if this was the rule in football. Who would we be after?

Maybe, Nathan Redmond. Genuinely can’t think of anyone else worth choosing. Cahill is no better than what we have at CB . I’d be surprised if either Maddison or Michael Keane get another cap, but we ‘d need to wait a year or two before they qualified.

[sadloserkid]

Jonjo Shelvey would have been worth a squad place at times.