Eligibility Rules, Okay

**Charlie Darwin** · 25/08/2013, 10:43 PM

Which McEleney? The McEleneys are good players and I'd love to see them do well, but Patrick was the major talent and at this stage I think he may have missed his chance to kick on to the next level. I'd love to be proved wrong and see him and his brother do really well for whatever country they choose, but I don't think it will happen at this stage.

**DannyInvincible** · 25/08/2013, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Which McEleney?

Paddy: http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk...t-ni-1-4385364

DERRY City’s Patrick McEleney has informed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) that he has decided to switch his allegiances to Northern Ireland.

The 20-year-old, who has played for the Republic of Ireland at U16, 17, 18 and 19 level, has decided like his big brother Shane to make the switch to Northern Ireland after having talks with both Michael O’Neill and U19 manager Stephen Robinson.

“Shane went away with the (Northern Ireland U21) squad to play Hungary recently and he came back with nothing but good reports,” admitted McEleney.

“I have absolutely nothing against the Republic. It’s a personal decision. There’s already a lot of Derry boys planning with Northern Ireland and things are starting to look good under Michael O’Neill.

“I told Noel King my decision and he tried to get me to reconsider but my mind had been made up. I have talked with Michael O’Neill and U21 boss Stephen Robinson a few times and they were telling me their plans for the future and I was very interested. They both spoke very well and I’m just looking forward to trying to be part of that now.”

Edit: McEleney actually makes it known that his decision was in no way down to having something against the FAI, so he obviously wasn't one of these supposed three or four players that Armstrong's been claiming weren't made feel welcome.

**Gather round** · 26/08/2013, 6:32 AM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

whereas with ROI they'll be just another player, which is the way it should be in an organisation that has aspirations of competing with the best

As opposed to one which just beat the 'best' in a tactical masterclass you mean?

I agree re Gerry Armstrong's ****-stirrng, not sensible.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 26/08/2013, 8:36 AM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Catholicism/Catholic identity or heritage and unionism aren't necessarily irreconcilable, even in Ireland: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Unionist

Oh, please don't. You'll set certain people off again...

**ArdeeBhoy** · 26/08/2013, 8:38 AM

Originally Posted by Gather round

As opposed to one which just beat the 'best' in a tactical masterclass you mean?

This means ^^^?

**DannyInvincible** · 26/08/2013, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Gather round

As opposed to one which just beat the 'best' in a tactical masterclass you mean?

Touché.

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

This means ^^^?

I assume GR's referring to their recent exploits against the Russian bear.

By the way, I don't suppose anyone has a copy of the Times' Paul Rowan piece and could scan/upload it? Should have inquired last night.

**Gather round** · 26/08/2013, 6:05 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I assume GR's referring to their recent exploits against the Russian bear

Indeed. The hapless Russians didn't force a single save from Carroll in the entire game

**ArdeeBhoy** · 26/08/2013, 9:46 PM

Well in that case, see the previous post about their Mafia...

**DannyInvincible** · 27/08/2013, 4:26 PM

Got a chance to read Rowan's article and this is what Armstrong was quoted as saying:

Originally Posted by Gerry Armstrong

Brendan [Rodgers] told me that Anton never felt settled in, which is what I heard from three or four of the Northern Ireland lads I spoke to who went down there.

**Olé Olé** · 27/08/2013, 5:56 PM

Does Armstrong imply that Anton didn't settle in due to his Northern Irish background? Anton Rodgers was born in England. I'm not sure what cultural differences or otherwise would have stopped him from settling in. That doesn't appear to have been an issue for any of our other English-born players, to the best of my knowledge. Jack Grealish, for instance and on the basis of his Twitter page, appears to have settled in comfortably.

**IsMiseSean** · 27/08/2013, 6:57 PM

Maybe Anton is just a bit weird & socially awkward.

**DannyInvincible** · 27/08/2013, 7:05 PM

It's the scaremongering baloney of a ****-stirring clown. The only hurdle to Anton Rodgers settling in would have been his own ability, or lack thereof.

The likes of McClean, Wilson, Duffy and George have all settled in perfectly well. Gibson had no problems settling in either before he took the huff over Trap's selection policy at the Euros.

**geysir** · 27/08/2013, 8:08 PM

Originally Posted by IsMiseSean

Maybe Anton is just a bit weird & socially awkward.

And thus feels more comfortable with like minded individuals.

**Olé Olé** · 27/08/2013, 10:05 PM

Had a quick Google of Caolan Lavery there and it seems he's at Sheffield Wednesday now and hasn't appeared in a Northern Ireland jersey since 2011, while he's still under-21. Has he too made himself unavailable for selection with NI?

**ArdeeBhoy** · 27/08/2013, 10:40 PM

Tbf, the North like us, Scotland & Wales must have a good no.of their younger squads born outside their typical catchment area.

Does anyone even bother/care at this stage...

**DannyInvincible** · 28/08/2013, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Tbf, the North like us, Scotland & Wales must have a good no.of their younger squads born outside their typical catchment area.

You mean "typical catchment area" as in the jurisdiction of the association? Of course, but we're the Beggars, supposedly. Where's that map indicating the geographical origin of players making up NI youth squads?...

**Gather round** · 28/08/2013, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

You mean "typical catchment area" as in the jurisdiction of the association? Of course, but we're the Beggars, supposedly. Where's that map indicating the geographical origin of players making up NI youth squads?...

Just to move things along, we've used four Granny-rulers (out of 24 players) in the current qualifiers.

**Charlie Darwin** · 28/08/2013, 1:10 PM

There seem to be more than that in the current squad although maybe not all of them have played.

Also funny to see on the team's wikipedia page, Ger Doherty's club is listed with a Northern Ireland flag.