Rule change needed to avoid repeat of Northern Ireland footballer’s defection to Republic

Mark Sykes, who was born in Belfast and played for Northern Ireland through the under-age ranks, refused a call-up to Baraclough’s squad for the Nations League matches against Romania and Norway next month.

Instead, Sykes, formerly of Glenavon and now contracted to Oxford United in England, is switching his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.

It is a bitter blow for Baraclough, not least because he knows Sykes so well, having managed him for a lengthy spell as Northern Ireland’s under-21 manager. It is even suggested that Sykes was earmarked to succeed Steven Davis in midfield when the captain hangs up his international boots.

There are several key points to consider. Firstly, there are the Uefa and Fifa laws that have allowed Sykes to change allegiance to the Republic at this late stage despite Northern Ireland having invested in his development over many years.

Surely it makes sense for the football authorities to change the rules, insisting that once you play for a country at under-21 level you must follow through to full international level.

Also, previous Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill was critical of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) over attempts to lure young players born north of the border to the Republic.

Sykes is not the first player to make the switch. James McClean and Marc Wilson are among those born in Northern Ireland who ended up playing for the Republic, though during O’Neill’s hugely successful spell as manager, high-profile defections largely stopped.

Baraclough might now face a stiff task to retain talent. A rule change from football’s administrators would help him.