Reading star rules out Irish switch(now says he would consider it)

**Ash** · 19/01/2006, 2:40 PM

Reading star rules out Irish switch
January 19, 2006

Reading striker Dave Kitson has ruled out the prospect of declaring for the
Republic of Ireland, insisting he does not feel the use of Uefa’s grandparent rule to decide international eligibility is an appropriate means of building a national team.

New Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has declared that he will adopt a fervent recruitment policy through the “granny rule” in a bid to bolster his options for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers.

The Dundalk man underlined the possibility of bringing Kitson, Swansea City’s Lee Trundle and Gary McSheffrey of Coventry City.

However, the 13-goal Royals front man has no interest in representing Ireland, saying he would be unable to bear the prospect of taking up a place which could be used by an Irish-born player.

The 26-year-old told the Irish Independent: “It’s nice to be thought of so highly by somebody that I respect within the game. But I wouldn’t do it.

“It’s got nothing to do with Ireland or the Irish people ... It’s just that I don’t believe in the grandparent rule and it’s something that I don’t like about international football. This is my own little stand and that’s just it. I think you should play for the country you’re born in.

“We have got a terrific young talent here at Reading called Shane Long, who has just played in two FA Cup ties against West Brom. I don’t want to be the player standing in the way of him or Kevin Doyle playing for their country.”

Liam Lawrence, on the other hand, has applied for an Irish passport

**Tired&Emotional** · 19/01/2006, 2:47 PM

How noble of Kitson!!

**Raheny Red** · 19/01/2006, 2:48 PM

If Kitson doesn't make the English team he will come back a begging just as quick. Reminds me of the Morrison issue on a smaller scale!

**Pablo** · 19/01/2006, 3:00 PM

Respect to the man. He's dead right.

A team full of second rate Brits who once had a pint of Guinness does not make a national side

**finlma** · 19/01/2006, 3:04 PM

Respect to him for sticking to his beliefs. I would disagree with him about having to play for the country you were born in - 2nd gen should certainly have the right.

**Peadar** · 19/01/2006, 3:10 PM

Originally Posted by Raheny Red

If Kitson doesn't make the English team he will come back a begging just as quick.

Just shoot your mouth off without knowing the facts, why don't you.

Kits has always held this view even though he knows there's little chace of him forcing his way into the England squad.

Fair play to him for being honest and upfront about it.

**lofty9** · 19/01/2006, 3:47 PM

Fair play for his honesty as there is no chance he'll be lining up for England. So he obviously is doing it for the right reasons in that he wouldn't feel right.

I know a few Englishborn guys with Irish grandparents and they see themselves as Irish. They always recite that it was their grandfather who set up a new life for himself and family in England and that they had too much respect for him in that they feel Irish more than English. It really depends on the grandparent in question - he was staunchly anti brit and a devout Irish Catholic. The Catholicism part has filtered to these guys as well as they would refer to themselves as Irish Catholics

. They follow the national team and would not appreciate Kitsons own view on 2nd generation Irishness.

**NeilMcD** · 19/01/2006, 4:10 PM

I agree lofty and the point should be made that this is a complex and personal issue and for some people they grow up in a very Irish household in Britain and feel Irish and are Irish. For others maybe like Cascarino and Morrisson and Holland its something that came to them in later life when they saw it as a chance to play international football. The choice as manager is should the 2nd sort of guy be looked for. I dont think any sane person would have a problem with the 1st sort of guy playing for ireland eg. Breen, Kilbane, etc.

**The Stars** · 19/01/2006, 4:15 PM

Originally Posted by Pablo

Respect to the man. He's dead right.

A team full of second rate Brits who once had a pint of Guinness does not make a national side

Agree with you Pablo........is that ok NeilMcD?

**NeilMcD** · 19/01/2006, 4:31 PM

I dont think anybody would like a team full of players who do not qualify and only qualify as they drank Guinnness. But It is my understanding of the rules that drinking Guinness does not play any part as to their qualification to play for Ireland. Maybe I am wrong and FIFA have changed the rules.

**jbyrne** · 19/01/2006, 4:39 PM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

For others maybe like Cascarino and Morrisson and Holland its something that came to them in later life when they saw it as a chance to play international football

didnt morrisson play under 21s for us? hardly later in life

**pete** · 19/01/2006, 4:45 PM

Originally Posted by jbyrne

didnt morrisson play under 21s for us? hardly later in life

Very much doubt it.

**gustavo** · 19/01/2006, 4:47 PM

think he may have played one or two games for them

**livehead1** · 19/01/2006, 5:05 PM

Originally Posted by pete

Very much doubt it.

Morrison played once for Ireland under 21's

**livehead1** · 19/01/2006, 5:06 PM

Originally Posted by lofty9

Fair play for his honesty as there is no chance he'll be lining up for England. So he obviously is doing it for the right reasons in that he wouldn't feel right.

I know a few Englishborn guys with Irish grandparents and they see themselves as Irish. They always recite that it was their grandfather who set up a new life for himself and family in England and that they had too much respect for him in that they feel Irish more than English. It really depends on the grandparent in question - he was staunchly anti brit and a devout Irish Catholic. The Catholicism part has filtered to these guys as well as they would refer to themselves as Irish Catholics

. They follow the national team and would not appreciate Kitsons own view on 2nd generation Irishness.

Kitson's 3rd Generation, not second, so i doubt his views bother 2nd Gen, like myself very much

**Dodge** · 19/01/2006, 5:10 PM

The age limit should be 18. Think Townsend was the oldest "convert"

**Schumi** · 19/01/2006, 5:11 PM

Originally Posted by livehead1

Kitson's 3rd Generation, not second, so i doubt his views bother 2nd Gen, like myself very much

Will it bother your kids?

**jbyrne** · 19/01/2006, 5:17 PM

Originally Posted by pete

Very much doubt it.

morisson made his debut against either portugal or estonia for under 21s. was 22 at the time and then broke into the senior squad soon after scoring on his debut against croatia. was 23 in the last world cup so as i said he hardly waited around to see what offers came in before he declared for us. glad he did to as he always gives 100% and has 9 goals for us which isnt bad