Quite funny on Facebook seeing current NI youth internationals 'liking' the fact that McClean has committed his international future to Ireland.
I want to see an end to players using the IFA as a stepping stone in their International careers. Players who are that way minded need to be weeded out.Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton
McClean was put in a position whereby his bluff was called.
Credit to the lad for not messing about when the senior call up came - but, it's a pity he didn't show such decisiveness earlier in his career.
The sooner players like McClean have their bluff called, the better.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
Why don't these "youth internationals" do likewise?
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
What do you suggest? McClean send an SOS carrier pigeon to FAI headquarters asking for underage rescue. McClean was happy to play underage international football for NI, and the IFA were happy to have him. Neither party are under any obligation to continue any arrangement.
Surely asking these players to desist might have more of a negative impact - while these guys may likely choose ROI if possible, there's a chance (particular with the IFA going proactive with Armstrong etc) these players might stay on in the future if given the time to decide. Ask them to choose first might make NI lose out even more.
Also at what age should they decide? 14, 15, 18? While frustrated NI fans have my sympathies, about a very I'm get very worried about the idea of prescribing to young guys when they have to make a very, very important and possibly difficult decision.
EDIT - This is veering back into eligibility, which I'd rather not do here. If you want to respond, best to do it on the eligibility thread perhaps. And if you don't want to, then that's up to you (this ground has been well covered, in fairness). I'm only posting this because, for me, McClean's acted more decisively than most. Surely signs these guys are more aware of the eligibility issues when being called up.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
Maybe, they don't like him
I'm a bloke,I'm an ocker
And I really love your knockers,I'm a labourer by day,
I **** up all me pay,Watching footy on TV,
Just feed me more VB,Just pour my beer,And get my smokes, And go away
Paul Ferguson's indecision has seen the 'boastful turncoat' become Sunderland new boy overnight.
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6179/btmcclean.png
I suggest that players who have "boyhood dreams" to play for the South, contact the FAI as a first port of call ie. before playing for Northern Ireland.
If it doesn't work out with the FAI, they can always contact the IFA and let them know they would consider a switch.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
Seconded.
Last edited by The Fly; 08/08/2011 at 12:40 PM.
Would NI fans realistically accept a player who'd already pre-empted any possible career with them? Not sure I see it myself.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
That depends on circumstances.
The broad point is that those players who harbour childhood dreams of playing for the South should make the FAI their first port of call.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
Tony Kane and Michael O'Connor appear to have been broadly welcomed back after having initially switched from the IFA. I'm not really sure why they're treated any differently to Alex Bruce, for example. Possibly, they just weren't high-profile enough to provoke a storm.
David Healy was on Sky Sports News a few minutes ago giving his views on the James McClean situation. Anyone catch what he said?
"It's a pity James didn't hook up with the Northern Ireland squad - I could have taught him a lot about being a benchwarmer at Sunderland"
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
Kane got a song dedicated to him.
Bruce is a c**t.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
A bit harsh.
His old man is mind.
You're right AB.
It is a bit harsh - on c**ts.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
The usual...
Don't disrespect the jersey, manager & fans
Playing for NI is about pride and passion
Ulster says no, blah blah blah....
"It's always disappointing to hear. I don't know the lad but he must be doing well for Derry, I think he's signing for Sunderland so he's obviously got something about him. But I've said before if you don't want to come and play for Northern Ireland, don't abuse the shirt, don't abuse the nation, don't insult the manager and the IFA by claiming you want to come and play in a friendly. Players have done that in previous years where they feel we're not sure, we haven't decided where we want to play, can we come and play in a meaningless friendly where it doesn't mean much, mixing amongst the lads for three or four days and then disappear off the face of the earth where we don't see them again. Don't abuse it, don't abuse the shirt. Northern Ireland's always been a place where we've prided ourselves on great pride and passion so don't come in and abuse our wee country."
On the OWC forum, apparently he is a Provo *****. Some are calling for Catholics to be excluded from future youth squads!
The poor wee country.
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