Eligibility Rules, Okay

**Not Brazil** · 12/10/2012, 9:23 AM

Originally Posted by ifk101

Bruce made his debut for the Irish U21s in February 2006. The North was ranked 102nd in the World at this date, while Ireland was ranked 27th in the World.

The North defeated England 1-0 at home in September 2005. This victory was followed up with a home defeat to Wales and an away defeat to Austria. The North finished its WC qualification group on 9 points from 10 games, indeed a "purple patch" for the North after going through qualification for the 2004 European Championship without scoring a goal.

His decision being the catalyst for Northern Ireland to rise above the South in the rankings within a short period of time.

**ifk101** · 12/10/2012, 9:31 AM

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

His decision being the catalyst for Northern Ireland to rise above the South in the rankings within a short period of time.

I'd put that down to Stan rather than Bruce but now that you mention it Bruce switched to the North during 2011. The North started 2011 ranked 43th in the World. The current rank is 117th. Coincidence?

**Not Brazil** · 12/10/2012, 9:45 AM

Originally Posted by ifk101

I'd put that down to Stan rather than Bruce but now that you mention it Bruce switched to the North during 2011. The North started 2011 ranked 43th in the World. The current rank is 117th. Coincidence?

Not sure that his clearance came through until earlier this year, but your point still stands. He's bad news for us.

**ifk101** · 12/10/2012, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

He's bad news for us.

The North's ranking has gone up a few notches since Bruce's inclusion in the squad so it's not all bad.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 16/10/2012, 12:58 AM

Especially as he no longer wants to play for Korea...

**Charlie Darwin** · 16/10/2012, 1:19 AM

It's a pity he's not eligible for Holland like Kevin Nolan. He'd have a World Cup silver medal by now.

**Charlie Darwin** · 16/10/2012, 2:31 AM

Not Ireland, but Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson has committed himself to England after playing at U21 level for Finland. I know it's easy for an England manager to say with all of their immense resources, but I think Roy Hodgson's comments were very respectful and a nice counterpoint to the "cap-tie him!" calls that sometimes emanate from the FAI and IFA camps.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19956858

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/10/2012, 5:32 PM

There's a feature coming up on Newsline about a Derry City player who now wants to play for Michael O'Neill. I got a bit of a shock thinking it was Patrick McEleney but I think it might just be a delayed feature on his brother.

**SwanVsDalton** · 18/10/2012, 5:35 PM

No it's Patrick 'Fats' - was tweeted by a local sports journo a while ago.

Good for him, it's a more realistic goal than ROI at this point.

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/10/2012, 5:36 PM

Ah right, I'm sure we can find a way to blame Paul Doolin for this.

**liamoo11** · 18/10/2012, 9:40 PM

Fair play to him I am surprised and I think he is a loss certainly but he is a lovely skillful player and the north are lucky to get him and his brother. He did fall out with doolin remember derry pulled him out of squad then he played for derry while under 19 squad was away

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/10/2012, 10:03 PM

Was he not called up to the 19s after that? I thought the issue was that the FAI wanted to suspend him in the league.

**liamoo11** · 18/10/2012, 11:39 PM

I think it all went pear shaped after that i remember mceleney was on my list of players that doolin had fallen out with and he certainly didint play in the later qualifiers or the finals that year.He is in a happier place now and im getting over my anger issues so its happy days all round

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/10/2012, 11:46 PM

I'd say Doolin is more relieved than any of us!

**Not Brazil** · 19/10/2012, 12:06 PM

I was delighted to hear upon my arrival in Portugal that Bruce had withdrawn from the squad - I also enjoyed Warren Fenney's article on the matter of Bruce's inclusion in the Sunday Life (not available online yet), where I think Warren spoke for many of our fans.

Bumped into Gerry Armstrong and his Missus in Porto on Sunday night (they don't half know how to party!) - it would seem he was a lot more active in his "Mentor" role than I have previously given him credit for...he is very hopeful that McLaughlin will side with Northern Ireland.

No issues with Patrick McEleney deciding he wants to try his luck with us - he'd need a move across the water if he wants to be a serious contender for Senior recognition (other than friendlies).

**Stuttgart88** · 19/10/2012, 12:14 PM

Did Gerry understand that his references to the GFA were ill-informed? I suspect that wasn't mentioned.

**Not Brazil** · 19/10/2012, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Did Gerry understand that his references to the GFA were ill-informed? I suspect that wasn't mentioned.

In context, it wasn't important.

**paul_oshea** · 19/10/2012, 12:47 PM

"Wheeey are ye have a drink lawd?!, ah shuur why not!!! Jees ye've a lovely woman on ye Gerry."

**Charlie Darwin** · 19/10/2012, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

In context, it wasn't important.

I bet you didn't tell him there's only one 'n' in 'mentor' either.

**DannyInvincible** · 19/10/2012, 1:35 PM

"McEleney joins big brother at NI": http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk...t-ni-1-4385364

Hehe, amusing unwitting double entendre in the headline, there.

I told Noel King my decision and he tried to get me to reconsider but my mind had been made up.

Proof (if it were even needed) that the IFA are more than happy to facilitate players registered with another association who still have immediate plans for them.