Macken in Ireland squad!!!

**Bowsy** · 12/08/2004, 3:12 PM

I know this had previously been touted about but I'm pretty surprised by this inclusion.

http://www.soccercentral.ie/viewstor...&viewstory=yes

**tetsujin1979** · 12/08/2004, 3:14 PM

from fai.ie -

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr today announced that Jonathan Macken of Manchester City has been added to the squad for Ireland’s match versus Bulgaria on Wednesday August 18.

The former Preston attacker who was signed by Manchester City for Stg5 million in March 2002 has today been cleared by FIFA to play for the Republic of Ireland. Although Macken had previously played just once for England at U20 level – on June 20 1997 versus the UAE in the World Youth Championships for 27 minutes as a substitute – he played no other level for England. Under a change of FIFA rules, players who have not played in a full international game can play for a different country, provided they were entitled to nationality of that country at the time they played at underage level.

In Jonathan’s case he was eligible to play for Ireland through his grandparents and is the holder of an Irish passport. He was anxious to make himself available for selection for Ireland and over recent months, the FAI submitted the required documentation to FIFA along with Jonathan’s testaments requesting his clearance. The FAI has been in constant contact with FIFA since then and that clearance has been made available today.

Manager Brian Kerr said today: “I’m delighted to add Jonathan to the squad for Bulgaria. Once I became aware of his possible eligibility and desire to play for Ireland I have monitored his form closely. His appearances at Manchester City have been limited by injuries but in the latter part of the season he was impressive when I saw him on a few occasions. He has a good goal scoring record and links the play well from an attacking position. From our first meeting Jonathan’s Irish connections and links were very clear to me and his desire to be considered for our squad and to implement the process of clearing his eligibility has been impressive. His clearance to play for us gives us another attacking option for the games we face over the next two years.”

Jonathan Macken said: “I’m delighted to hear that I have been cleared to play for Ireland and that Brian Kerr has selected me for the squad for the game against Bulgaria. It is an amazing honour for me and my family and I look forward to justifying my selection if given a chance in the game. I would like to thank Brian and the FAI for the manner in which they have pursued my case with FIFA. I have always had a desire to play for the country of my family background and nationality but until now have never been given the opportunity. The change of rule has been beneficial to me and it is fair to players like myself who were not selected for the country of their nationality at underage level.

“I’m looking forward to joining up with what is a fantastic squad and over the next two years will be doing my utmost to establish my place in the team for the World Cup qualifiers.”

As a City fan I'm delighted to have another Irish player on the books. Jon's an excellent finisher and easily should have got a run in the side following some fine performances last season, just injury and Robbie Fowler restricted to the bench. He's nicked a few in preseason, so let's hope he can go on and claim a first team place.

Whatever about his desire to play for Ireland, I really do hope the fans get behind him.

**pete** · 12/08/2004, 3:14 PM

Another granny rule mercenary.

I say play Connolly, Morrison & Macken together! What a trio!

**Bowsy** · 12/08/2004, 3:19 PM

I always thought Connolly's parents were from Galway. Maybe I'm wrong. I do agree that Macken is just looking to play International football though and hasn't grown up believing he's irish depite his declarations.

**tiktok** · 12/08/2004, 3:20 PM

Originally Posted by pete

Another granny rule mercenary.

He has an irish passport though, and the effort to declare seems to be going on for an age, any chance it's not a career move?

**Bowsy** · 12/08/2004, 3:22 PM

Sorry Tetsujin must have posted at same time as you. Agree he's a good player but his desire is somewhat dubious. I don't think anyone will give him a hard time provided he gives his all. Won't be the first person of dubious Irishness to wear the green. It's always mixed emotions for me however when someone declares just to get an international cap.

**carnstien** · 12/08/2004, 3:27 PM

I'm not sure Macken will offer us anything we don't already have. From what I've seen of him, and I've only seen him play about twice, he looks a poor finisher, but he is young and you never know.

He is nowhere near the class of someone like Robbie Keane, but at least he will provide another option to Morrison.

**Bowsy** · 12/08/2004, 3:30 PM

was prolific for Preston and City paid �5M for him. Had a tough time with injuries though. All round game is pretty good but finishing was a little haphazard last season.

**Slash/ED** · 12/08/2004, 5:07 PM

this is taking the ****, whatever about weather he should be available to Ireland or not, he's absolutley useless! I can't believe were considering him, it's an embarassment.

**pineapple stu** · 12/08/2004, 5:15 PM

Originally Posted by Bowsy

I always thought Connolly's parents were from Galway.

Think you're right there. He used to go to Croker to watch Galway a fair bit as well. Think he spent the summers in Galway.

**eirebhoy** · 12/08/2004, 5:35 PM

Originally Posted by pete

Another granny rule mercenary.

I say play Connolly, Morrison & Macken together! What a trio!

Connolly is 100% Irish and made his debut at 18.

If you asked Macken his nationality he would tell you he's Irish. He has an Irish passport years. He is almost 27 years of age so its hardly a move to boost his career. I don't know why he played for England U-20's when called up but he was only 19 at the time and 27 minutes is hardly much.

Slash/Ed, if he was born in Ireland I am sure you wouldn't be questioning his inclusion. He's definitely the best option we have to partner Keane and he can actually score goals with his head.

Morrison has played 32 more Premiership games than him and only has 4 more goals.

**eoinh** · 12/08/2004, 5:44 PM

Daft after the events of last night. i wouldnt pick him anyway because he played for another country first whatever that country was.

**Pablo** · 12/08/2004, 5:52 PM

i'd prefer to have an all Irish team and be hammered(though we wouldnt be) than have a return to Charltons Mercenary days.

One of the reasons i cant get into supporting ireland (with passion i mean) is this granny rule caper.

As much as i dislike Shels Jason Byrne should have got the call

**Slash/ED** · 12/08/2004, 6:00 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Slash/Ed, if he was born in Ireland I am sure you wouldn't be questioning his inclusion. He's definitely the best option we have to partner Keane and he can actually score goals with his head.

Morrison has played 32 more Premiership games than him and only has 4 more goals.

Wrong, as if you read my psots you'll see I'm actually a Clinton Morrison fan. Macken is just ****e. How many goals has he got since his move to City a while back? How many games has he even played? Are we really so bad that we have to rely on calling up reserve players? Him being called up is an embarassment, anyone who can't get near their own sides team shouldn't be considered.

**eirebhoy** · 12/08/2004, 6:13 PM

Originally Posted by Pablo

i'd prefer to have an all Irish team and be hammered(though we wouldnt be) than have a return to Charltons Mercenary days.

Macken is Irish. Morrison and Holland are probably the only non-Irish players playing for Ireland.

Originally Posted by Slash/ED

Wrong, as if you read my psots you'll see I'm actually a Clinton Morrison fan. Macken is just ****e.

So just because you're a Morrison fan means I'm wrong?

He hasn't played a lot for City but he's up against Anelka, Wanchope and Fowler for a place and had his fair share of injuries. He scored 6 goals for City, Morrison has only scored 10 for Birmingham and has played 3 times as many games. Macken can head a ball, Morrison just can't.

**Slash/ED** · 12/08/2004, 6:17 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

So just because you're a Morrison fan means I'm wrong?

Yes, because you made a blind assumption that the reason I didn't like him was because he wasn't Irish, when I've no problem with that as proved by the fact I like Morrison who's about as Irish as an Irish themed pub.

And no matter who he's up against if he can't get near the City team it's nothing short of an embarassment that we're calling on him.

**Plastic Paddy** · 12/08/2004, 6:21 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Think you're right there. He used to go to Croker to watch Galway a fair bit as well. Think he spent the summers in Galway.

I can vouch for his credentials as I used to be his football team's coach when he was a schoolboy. His auld fella is from Gort and David and, as you rightly point out, his sister Caroline used to spend their summers making the same journey over as made by most 2G kids.

PP

**eirebhoy** · 12/08/2004, 6:24 PM

I am 100% sure if Macken was born in Ireland to Irish parents he would have got a call up at some time and nobody would be questioning his inclusion.

And no matter who he's up against if he can't get near the City team it's nothing short of an embarassment that we're calling on him.

Morrison is behind Forssell and Heskey (for the time being anyway) so i assume its also an embarrasment to call him up. Alan Lee is only in the Cardiff team because of an injury to one of Cardiff's strikers, another embarrasment.

**Slash/ED** · 12/08/2004, 6:29 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Morrison is behind Forssell and Heskey (for the time being anyway) so i assume its also an embarrasment to call him up. Alan Lee is only in the Cardiff team because of an injury to one of Cardiff's strikers, another embarrasment.

Alan Lee being called up regularly is an embarassment if he can't get his game for Cardiff yeah, and Morrison has been a regular for Birmingham since his arrival there, a bit different to Macken who's fourth choice striker at City, if even that. How can you call up a player who can't get a game for a **** poor premiership side?

**eirebhoy** · 12/08/2004, 6:51 PM

Originally Posted by Slash/ED

How can you call up a player who can't get a game for a **** poor premiership side?

It doesn't matter what premiership club he's at, its the player he's up against for a place. Morrison would certainly not get a game ahead of the 3 City players mentioned. Macken would definitely get his game ahead of Stern John.

Here's a bit about all his injuries since City signed him in 2002:

He scored his first goal for the club in his first appearance as a substitute at Bradford. He came on for the final ten minutes slotting home with ease minutes after heading against the upright.

Scored again in his first start in the local derby defeat at Stockport County before claiming a brace in the home win over Barnsley.

A pre season injury to his knee denied him the chance to stake a claim in the squad for the opening games of the Premiership campaign. In early September he underwent an operation to remove some floating bone from the injured knee. He was ruled out of contention for two months.

Returned to action in January scoring in his second outing for the reserves. Came on as substitute in City's defeat at Newcastle but had a further setback with a injury to his thigh before regaining fitness in mid February.

Hit by injury once again when tweaking a hamstring when playing for the reserves at the end of February.

He rcovered in time to make four appearances from the bench towards the end of the season.

Started out on the bench and made his first start in the Blues 2-0 win over TNS in the qualifying round of the Uefa Cup. But was taken off with an ankle injury setting back his chances of forcing his way into the squad.

A subsequent foot injury forced him on the sidelines again, but remains hopeful that he will get a chance to prove himself at the top level with the Blues.

He came back to score in two matches for the reserves before getting his first goal of the season when he was a second half substiute in the Blues Carling Cup win over QPR.

He also had a double hernia operation at the end last season.