The ones that got away

On the other hand, Wales-born Kevin Sheedy (whose father, like Coleman's, was also born in Ireland) asserts that he was always going to play for Ireland: http://foot.ie/threads/170604-Kevin-...=1#post1912761

Although that didn't stop him ringing up the Welsh FA to see if he was in their squad before making a decision on his international future. Hmm... :laugh:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kevin Sheedy

When I was 16 at Hereford United, I got a letter from the FAI saying I had been selected in their youth team.

I knew Wales had a game at the same time, so I rang the Welsh FA just to see if I was in their squad and then I would make a decision.

They said they were not in the business of announcing the squad before it was done officially, so I said ‘okay, thanks very much’, I then called the FAI to say I would be delighted to play for Ireland.

I was always opting for Ireland and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.”

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Was told many years ago that John Deehan, who played for Aston Villa & others in the 1970s, had very strong Co. Roscommon links and could be spotted training there in the off-season.

Did anyone mention Jimmy Greaves ?

I was just watching the end of Mexico-New Zealand game in the Confederations Cup there and I saw that New Zealand had a 30-year-old midfielder called Michael McGlinchey. On account of the Irish surname, I decided to check out his background and, according to Wikipedia, he was indeed eligible to play for Ireland (and Scotland), as well as New Zealand.

McGlinchey was born in Wellington whilst his Scottish father Norrie was playing football in New Zealand, but grew up in Scotland from the age of one after the family returned home. McGlinchey played for Celtic at youth level (when Martin O'Neill, who convinced him to turn down a move to Manchester United at the age of 17, was manager) and actually represented Scotland at various under-age levels before switching to New Zealand in 2009.

Assuming the info on Wikipedia is correct, I'm not sure how he qualified to play for us. I'm guessing it would have been through grandparents.