Shane Ferguson

[Not Brazil]

No, it's called exploiting the rules.

The challenge for the IFA is to ensure, by whatever means neccessary within the rules, that players don't "exploit" the IFA to their detriment.

As I said, we'll very shortly see if Paul is a young man of his (alleged) word.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Except it's not to their detriment. Exclusively.
Players and all FA's have a continued option to pick and choose which could last over many years.....

The rest is irrelevant.

[gastric]

Not Brazil , your comments about George commiting or leaving are ridiculous! 17 year olds don't know what they want. And this fast tracking exasperates the problem. This is why Duffy stayed with NI for so long. He was offered subtle bribes through the fast tracking process. He played U21s at a young age and was being lined up for seniors. This kept him there when really his heart was elsewhere. A more mature approach would be to encourage youngsters to stay and accept defeat when they leave. FIFA rules should be accepted and no hysteria when they change allegiance. The loss of Lowry, Kane and O'Connor did not raise much of an eyebrow, more disappointment among Ireland fans. A repeat of what happened to Tim Cahill could be on the cards in the North where players ultimately realise after the event they have made a mistake if this fast tracking continues.

[Not Brazil]

Not Brazil , your comments about George commiting or leaving are ridiculous! 17 year olds don't know what they want. And this fast tracking exasperates the problem. This is why Duffy stayed with NI for so long. He was offered subtle bribes through the fast tracking process. He played U21s at a young age and was being lined up for seniors. This kept him there when really his heart was elsewhere. A more mature approach would be to encourage youngsters to stay and accept defeat when they leave. FIFA rules should be accepted and no hysteria when they change allegiance. The loss of Lowry, Kane and O'Connor did not raise much of an eyebrow, more disappointment among Ireland fans.

I disagree with you on many levels here gastric.

Firstly, it was CDG who saw fit to post alleged comments attributable to young Paul George concerning his future Interrnational intentions - not me. Had you have posted advising CDG that a 17 year old lad doesn't know what they want, I might have gave this point some credance.

With regard to fast tracking, those not honoured to be selected to debut for Northern Ireland in a senior International, let alone a competitive match, really shouldn't be there.

They need sussing out, and disposed of as quickly and effeciently as possible - fast tracking, if the player is good enough, and our aims and objectives for winnning the game are not compromised, is an excellent way to go.

Your comments about Duffy are outrageous - exactly why fast tracking needs to be utilised more and more. His hand was forced. He went. Good.

If he felt uncomfortable (in fact, if he felt anything other that honoured) about being selected to play a senior international for Northern Ireland, I couldn't give two flying ones about who he is, what he is, or how good he is - best he's gone, from our point of view.

We are in a (unique?) situation whereby, as a very small association, we have to face up to FIFA rules which permit a hostile, much larger, neighbouring Association to be able to select any player they like from our playing pool.

That requires well thought through measures to protect our future interests, as best as is possible in the disadvatantageous circumstances we face. There is no room for "softly softly".

Of course, young players should be encouraged to stay - they should also be encouraged to go, once it is apparant that their heart isn't really in it.

I have accepted FIFA's rules for some time - it's now about how the IFA play the hand they're dealt, in a way that protects and progresses it's best interests in the International arena, going forward.

[gustavo]

Closing thread for same reasons as Liam Boyce thread..