THINK BEFORE YOU JUMP SAYS O’NEILL
NEW Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has urged young players to avoid the possibility of throwing themselves on the international scrapheap!
The former Newcastle United star, who will take charge of the team for the first time against Norway in a Windsor Park friendly on February 29, is determined to stop the exodus of home-grown talent opting to play for the Republic.
O’Neill, who tried in vain to tempt Sunderland star James McClean into a rethink about his international allegiance, has warned a percentage of kids could be signing away a career before it even starts.
McClean, of course, is the latest of a posse of players who have defected to the south.
“I would urge any young player in that situation to contact the IFA with their parents and speak to me, just to give them a full and clear picture of what is involved,” said O’Neill.
“It is a big decision to make at a very young age, to close the door on international football. That’s not a criticism of any decision they make, but it’s important they fully realise the consequences of that decision.
“If you’re not playing at the top – top level in English football – featuring in international football for Northern Ireland can certainly enhance your club career on so many levels. It’s a big decision to close that door at such a young age.”
O’Neill, who pulled on the Northern Ireland shirt on 33 occasions, stressed that once a player begins the process of switching his international allegiance, there is no way back.
“Once you go through the red tape procedure – that’s it,” he added. “It’s about making our case as strong as possible to individual players and hopefully that is enough for them to make a commitment.”
O’Neill added that Irish League part-timers may not come under his immediate radar.
“I will look at wherever players are available,” he said: “I do believe it’s important players are in full-time football, if I’m being honest. It’s tough coming out of the Irish League and being ready to play at international level.
“Some of the younger Irish League players, who are involved with the international set-up at underage of senior level, might have that opportunity to take a step into full-time football in England or Scotland.
“We have enough players based in the UK. We should be pooling that resource, but if anyone is doing well in the Irish League, I will certainly review that.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
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