Chris Atherton's former manager feels criticism 'unjust' with international switch 'irrelevant' at this stage

McDonnell worked with teenager Atherton during his time as Lurgan Blues manager, making him part of his senior squad at Mourneview Park on a regular basis ahead of last season.

Atherton became the youngest-ever player to feature in a senior men’s match in the United Kingdom when he was handed his Glenavon debut at the age of 13 by Gary Hamilton in 2022 and had long been identified as one for the future.

On Thursday, it was confirmed that Atherton, who had represented Northern Ireland up to U17 level, was switching his international allegiance to the Republic with his father Stephen telling the News Letter the 17-year-old was “following his heart”.

Stephen posted on social media that Chris and his family had been “on the receiving end of a lot of hatred” after the decision.

Players switching allegiance between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – or vice versa – isn’t uncommon and McDonnell feels players will continue to use the “loophole” to benefit their careers.

McDonnell believes Atherton should be allowed to focus on developing as a footballer – he recently signed a professional contract at Chelsea.

"Chris is an unbelievable talent, but he's still only 17 so I think it's irrelevant,” he said. “His dad and the kid are getting pelters online...until the kid breaks into a senior panel, what are we getting worked up about?

"We've seen Ronan Hale flip back, he went to the Republic and has switched back to Northern Ireland because he's going to play.

"Some of the stuff I read online, I think it's unjust. The kid is 17, let him play football, develop and then see where he's at in three or four years.

"If he has got an international call-up, then brilliant, but he could still end up playing for Northern Ireland anyway.

"The loophole is there, look at the amount of English players playing for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland...players will do what they feel is best.

"I think it's irrelevant until senior level. I'd be more thinking to let the kid breathe, he doesn't need all the negative comments. Let him play, let his football do the talking and we will see where that will lead him.

"He's 17, this isn't meant to be disrespectful at all, but he hasn't done anything yet. He has signed for Chelsea and is in their academy, but until he does something, I think a lot of this is pie in the sky.

"I think a lot of it is unjust really, but you can't control social media, you can't control trolls and people who want to be negative. It's unfortunate that he's probably reading a lot of it...my take would be to let him play his football."

Atherton has been in the headlines since making history after coming off the bench against Dollingstown aged 13 and McDonnell believes he will be able to ignore the attention of recent days.

His former manager also knows Atherton will be aware that further international progression – regardless of country selection – only comes on the back of continuing to perform at Chelsea.

"He's a lovely kid from a good family,” he added. “I know people are annoyed, but having had a chance to work with him, I think he's the kind of kid who will shrug it off and go about his business.

"He will know himself that he'll only be playing international football for anybody if he's performing. If he's not, then he won't be playing any international football. He's clever enough even at 17 to know that.

"I think he's the type of kid who will brush it off. When you're good at your profession, there will always be noise, whether it's good or bad.

"He's had the experience of getting that exposure at 13 and everybody knew he was destined for big things.

"There was a big list of clubs who wanted to sign him so he has been used to the media attention from a young age. I think this is another bit of attention he will deal with in the same way he has dealt with everything to date."