Originally Posted by eirebhoy
"Since the change of management there's been talk about this again.
"First time around I practically set in stone that I was not interested, as flattered as I was.
"It's a little frustrating that journalists can ask a question, then six months later they can ask again and think the answer will change. It's the same people asking me again, looking for a story that does not exist, I'm afraid.
"I'm flattered to be considered good enough to play for them, but I reiterate what I said first time around. To me, my family is not Irish. I've only ever had English family around me, my parents were born in north London, so was I, and as far as I'm concerned I'm English.
"But that in no way means I'm only holding out to play for England. I'm not naive enough to think I'm good enough, so it's really not for that purpose.
"This is purely because of my principles. I don't agree that you should be eligible because of your grandparents. Where do you draw the line? What about great-grandparents or great-great grandparents? For me it's just about parents or where you were born and brought up.
"This is just my own little stand against a rule. It might get headlines but it won't really make any difference and in two weeks it'll be forgotten. I just don't want to compromise my principles.
"I've only ever heard a few rumours about an Irish call up. I felt this way before I even considered Ireland though. I've always supported England.
"All this has come to my attention even more now that we've got Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Stephen Hunt here. Let's say I play and therefore stand in the way of someone like them, who is 100% Irish and would give anything to play for their country. I would feel a hyprocrite and be denying them a chance they deserve."
"It's something I have had to think about, it's surreal to even think that us playing together for Ireland could happen but I stand by my beliefs.
"I won't be a player that denies any emerging Irish talent a chance to play in a World Cup or European Championships.
"This is definitely the right decision for me. Lots of people can't understand it but I'm not asking them to. I've not made this decision to affect people or gain respect.
"It's annoying that some people in the game look at this from a financial point of view. They say I could play and up my value and up my wages but that disappoints me so much, it really does.
"People with no morals have been telling me what to do, and to tell me to do it for financial gain is just so disappointing. I don't need to be told by anyone."