EXCLUSIVE: Father of former Irish League teen insists Republic of Ireland switch 'about following his heart'
The decision by one of Northern Ireland's top young football talents to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland is “about following his heart”, his father has insisted.
In a major blow to the Irish FA, 17-year-old Chris Atherton will now pursue his international career with the Republic.
Atherton became the youngest player to feature in a senior men’s match in the United Kingdom when Gary Hamilton handed him his Glenavon debut in a BetMcLean Cup triumph over Dollingstown aged 13 years and 329 days in September 2022.
The 17-year-old developed a reputation as one of the Irish League’s most exciting prospects after coming through the ranks at the Lurgan Blues and made 24 Premiership appearances last term.
Atherton sealed a dream summer move to Premier League giants Chelsea and has featured for the club’s U18s this season.
FIFA’s Change of Association platform lists the Republic of Ireland as Atherton’s new country, confirming a switch from Northern Ireland, who he represented up to U17 level.
Atherton’s last appearance for Northern Ireland’s U17s came in March’s European Championship qualifying defeat to England.
A number of players have made the international switch in both directions – Mark Sykes represented Northern Ireland at underage level before opting to play for the Republic of Ireland while Ronan Hale switched back to Northern Ireland last year and has starred for Michael O’Neill’s side.
Atherton now becomes the latest and dad Stephen hopes people will understand his son’s decision to pursue an international dream.
"Our son is Irish,” Stephen told the News Letter. “Christopher wants to play for Ireland.
“Crucially, he retains the self belief in his own ability that if he keeps working hard and developing then one day he will realise his dream of representing his country in a full international at the Aviva.
"For Christopher it was never about accumulating international caps early and always about following his heart.
"I’m sure that all right thinking members of the community in the North will respect and understand that.
"As a family we wish nothing but success for the IFA in the years to come.”
Atherton was Northern Ireland’s youth ambassador at the announcement of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland co-hosting the 2028 European Championships - he was 14 at the time – and said “to play in it would just be something you dream of”.
Many will question why Atherton pursued opportunities with Northern Ireland’s youth teams considering his clear desire to represent the Republic of Ireland, but dad Stephen says it was the most feasible route with other commitments.
"Christopher was on the FAI emerging talent programme from 12 years of age and it simply wasn’t feasible to continue to attend training sessions in Dublin with that group as they increased in frequency throughout his high school years and commitments with Glenavon at senior level,” added Stephen. “Andy Waterworth at the Irish FA was playing for Glenavon at the time and asked that Christopher join the IFA set-up in an attempt to persuade him to pledge his allegiance to the North.
"He was then capped at U16 and U17 level.
"As soon as Christopher left school and moved to London there was no logistical impediment to him representing Ireland and that is where his heart and ambitions lie.”