More speculation here,http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/...ppearance.html
Jon Flanagan could be heading to this summer's European Championships with the Republic of Ireland.
The right-back made a second-half cameo during Liverpool's 5-1 win over Oldham in last night's FA Cup tie and is seriously considering to switch his international allegiances.
Flanagan has featured regularly in England's youth set-up over the past year but could defect from his home land barely three months since he last answered their call.
He was initially called up to the under-19's squad in May last year but was forced to withdraw due to a calf injury before receiving a call-up for the under-21's in October.
His international bow came in a Euro 2013 qualifying win over Iceland, which England won 3-0, before being recalled for the under-19's for their 1-0 win over Denmark a month later.
Now Flanagan could put himself in contention a place in Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for Euro 2012 on account having an Irish grandfather, and has been heavily monitored by the Republic.
Anfield legend John Aldridge believes that the promising right-back is more than capable of making the grade, especially ahead of the finals in Poland and the Ukraine.
"From my point of view I think it'd be a fantastic experience for him," he told the Irish Daily Star.
"The fact is we are trying to blood young players in at Ireland. Trapattoni's done a great job and he would certainly get into the squad very quickly.
"It's an area that we haven't got an awful lot of young lads that fit the bill. They've looked at young Flanno and thought he's ready-made for us. He's got good experience already playing for Liverpool and England at great levels.
"If he wants to go one step closer and do it very early in his career, this would be a great opportunity."
Flanagan, 19, is expected to leave Liverpool on loan before the transfer window closes this month to gain first-team experience after a similar deal with Leeds United fell through in November.
Aldridge, however, believes that the Childwall-born youngster could make his international debut in the months leading up to this summer's tournament if he opts for the Irish.
He added: "Trapattoni wants to build for the future. He's looking at young lads and he fits the bill.
"He would get his debut in the next few months, that's a fact, and be given a great opportunity."
