Yeah, I think he's done okay too. He has to play the game from both sides to a certain degree to be fair to him. There's a bit more here - https://www.independent.ie/sport/soc...-36683690.html
Originally Posted by Martin O'Neill
I think he is clear in that he has played for NI, manages Ireland and thinks the choice is the player's. I think that has to be respected. I don't think the bile spouted by Michael carries much respect towards the options afforded to the players and the subsequent choices made. And that stands for prospective and future cases too.
Really surprised that Michael O'Neill said these things.
Happy with Martin's comments. He's matter of fact but slightly bullish as well, which he needs to be.
Also, the Alex Bruce point is a good one. The only player to switch from one to the other at senior level was him.
Folding my way into the big money!!!
On reflection I think Michael O'Neill has crossed a line here. He has accused Martin and the FAI of sectarianism without a shred of evidence to support that claim. In fact he did just the opposite when he gave the example of Paddy McNair who was approached despite him being protestant.
The fact that only Catholics have declared for us is not evidence of sectarian recruitment on the part of the FAI. It is evidence that if presented with the opportunity Catholics in the north have a preference for the republic that is not shared by their protestant peers.
Michael O'Neill has no idea which of his potential players were approached by the FAI. He has no idea which of the players who declared for us did so after reaching out to the FAI on their own initiative. I would both expect and assume that the FAI don't give a damn which school you went to. Either Michael O'Neill has evidence to the contrary or he owes Martin an apology.
Bring Back Belfast Celtic F.C.
He can't play for us again. He used his one switch to switch to England and represented their under 21s. Door shut. Done.
Another one we lost to England, played in the catalonian Cup final recently.
Marcus McGuane, another one we lost, has made his debut for Barcelona: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2018...s-barca-debut/
Callum Robinson has declared, good player
Interesting.
'I'm available' - Preston star Callum Robinson declares for Ireland http://the42.ie/3893676
McGuane is a disappointing one. From what I can glean, McGuane originally went by the name of is Ghanaian father. He changed it to his mother's name. His mother's parents are from Laois and Cork. In fact, he had a tweet up about his grandmother once and I reckon it was his maternal grandmother. Disappointing she couldn't keep him at bay for us.
This is very good news, another option in an area where we are a little short, Callum can play as a winger or up front. The Preston connection also helps and must be seen as a positive influence. Hope MON adds him to the squad for Turkey.
One thing I find interesting is how this declaration has been made. The 42 are carrying it as an exclusive. That would lead me to believe there has been an intermediary between the 42 and the player e.g. an Irish Preston teammate or his agent. Secondly, the timing of it to co-incide with the squad announcement (first thing in the morning directly afterwards) all seems very deliberate.
Not that it's a big issue. I just think it's very obviously orchestrated and what about it.
I'm not sure we lost him as such. He came out of nowhere and played in the euros 17 after not been involved in any qualifiers and was a year underage. thea few months later he switches to brits 17s and played in the euros 17s for them. To me it seemed we kinda borrowed him for a tournament where Doyle Hayes from Villa was out injured and he was always going back. Looked a lovely player though
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