English (but Irish?) players

**livehead1** · 05/02/2007, 3:21 PM

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.

Bruce wasn't too fussed about playing for England. He wanted to play for Ireland as he would have been able to play in the 1994 World Cup. The only reason he didn't was as you say the non-nationals rule. You could only play three at the same time I think, and I reckon United had Keane, Irwin, and Peter Schmeical (sp) at the time.

Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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.

I'm sure he still does believe he has made the right choice as hes played under 21 games for us. Also seems to be doing well at club level. The IFA has more chance of employing Mourinho than winning that case! After looking into it earlier today I feel its a half hearted attempt, with a very low level of success.

**Paddy Garcia** · 05/02/2007, 4:01 PM

Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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...

)

I know it is important to you but could you please try not to slip this topic into every thread? Cheers

**dr_peepee** · 05/02/2007, 4:47 PM

"Must argue... Need provoked response... It defines me..."

**OwlsFan** · 05/02/2007, 4:59 PM

Mick Lyons (Everton and Sheffield Wednesday).

**Noelys Guitar** · 05/02/2007, 5:37 PM

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...

)

I believe the Brazilian fans at the Emirate's tomorrow night will be singing "were not Norn Iron". Followed by much aren't we just a great wee..oops sorry big country altogether etc etc zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

**DeNiro** · 05/02/2007, 6:35 PM

Originally Posted by greendeiseboy

brian kidd
steve froggatt - unused sub
noel whelan - under 21
nobby stiles
gareth barry
tony adams
steve bould
gazza - acording to jack charlton could have played
michael carrick
aaron lennon

Interesting list. Had never heard Carrick before! What's his connection?

**Den Perry** · 05/02/2007, 7:12 PM

Originally Posted by DeNiro

Interesting list. Had never heard Carrick before! What's his connection?

Carrick on Suir....

**FarBeag** · 05/02/2007, 7:18 PM

nobby stiles...Jaysus.. I have heard some Christian names handed out by Irish mums but this poor bloke must have picked the shortest straw of them all.

**Qwerty** · 05/02/2007, 10:23 PM

Kevin Keegan and Steve McMahon. Both had 1 Irish grandparent AFAIK.

**ramondo** · 06/02/2007, 3:36 AM

Originally Posted by FarBeag

nobby stiles...Jaysus.. I have heard some Christian names handed out by Irish mums but this poor bloke must have picked the shortest straw of them all.

Apparently he was a very annoying child. Hence his mother's exasperated:

N� b� do mo chr� (stop bothering me)

and it sort of stuck.

**greendeiseboy** · 06/02/2007, 7:52 AM

Originally Posted by FarBeag

nobby stiles...Jaysus.. I have heard some Christian names handed out by Irish mums but this poor bloke must have picked the shortest straw of them all.

yeah, seemingly his father was a dick

**Ozymandias** · 06/02/2007, 10:37 AM

steven gerard

**BradyIsMyHero** · 06/02/2007, 10:44 AM

Alan Mullery
Tony Daley
Danny Murphy
Steve McManaman

**CraftyToePoke** · 06/02/2007, 11:47 AM

anyone know anything about Gavin McCann or David Dunn?

**beautifulrock** · 06/02/2007, 11:58 AM

John Deehan, are we sure about Nobby Stiles, read his auto about a year ago and do not remember much reference to his Irishness other than marrying Johnny Giles's sister.

**charliesboots** · 06/02/2007, 2:18 PM

Originally Posted by beautifulrock

John Deehan, are we sure about Nobby Stiles, read his auto about a year ago and do not remember much reference to his Irishness other than marrying Johnny Giles's sister.

There you go so...didn't Paul Butler marry an Irish bird and as a result qualified for an Irish passport after a few years??? (or something similarly ridiculous)

**galwayhoop** · 06/02/2007, 3:03 PM

i thought i heard a long time ago that Robbie Fowler could also have played for us - could be wrong though

**ken foree** · 06/02/2007, 5:09 PM

completely off topic but noel whelan volleyed fantastically into his own net on his birthday a few seasons ago when playing for 'boro. had a good chuckle over that one.