Originally Posted by
EalingGreen
Three "technical" observations:
1. His playing in a friendly for ROI does not compromise his subsequent eligibility for the USA;
2. Whatever Rangers fans may think, I imagine Walter Smith would prefer he elected for ROI than USA, since that would entail much less travelling and "out-of-season" internationals (that's assuming Smith is even interested in signing him, which is moot);
3. Perhaps Lapira has also concluded he's simply not good enough to get a regular place with ROI and/or in European club football, so decided to throw in his lot with USA, since MLS Salary Regulations etc reward teams for employing USA-eligible players over non-USA eligible?
Anyhow, a more personal observation for the benefit of those ROI fans who are now looking at Lapira and thinking "Tosser" (i.e. for using ROI to achieve a bit of prominence before he suddenly remembers he's really American):
You might just understand a little better how NI fans feel when youngsters represent us in UEFA under-age competitions etc, then elect to represent ROI at senior level...