Originally Posted by
EalingGreen
Not so, since "B" internationals are considered as friendly fixtures, not competition matches, so do not affect eligibility.
In fact, Bruce is an interesting example. Since his mammy comes from Bangor, Co.Down, he was approached first (afaik) by the IFA, not the FAI.
However, he declined for two reasons. First, he still had hopes of playing for England. Second, he played for MU at a time when UEFA restricted the number of "non-nationals" of a team who could play in European football. Therefore, Ferguson made it quite clear that he didn't want Bruce playing for anyone else except England. End of.
Of course, Steve Bruce's son Alex is even more pertinent to current events! When, on account of his Bangor granny, he was approached by both the IFA and FAI, he eventually chose the ROI, on the basis that they had a "better team"! I wonder if he still thinks that? ;)
Anyhow, I'm not sure whether he's yet played a competitive fixture for the ROI, but if he has, or does in future, he may be caught out should the IFA win its present case lodged with FIFA re. eligibility.
(At which point, EG dons tin hat and ducks for cover...:D )
