Michael O'Neill clear 'background not really that important for me' when selecting Northern Ireland squads

Earlier this week, O’Neill called up Portsmouth’s Eoin Kenny – the son of former Republic of Ireland boss Stephen – for a crunch Nations League double-header against Ukraine and Hungary.

Born in Londonderry while his father managed Derry City, Kenny represented Northern Ireland at U18 level before switching to the Republic of Ireland for U19 duties.

The 20-year-old declared his allegiance to Northern Ireland once again last year and featured in all 10 U21 European Championship qualification group games across the most recent campaign, including captaining Tommy Wright’s side against Greece in October.

Having sealed a high-profile transfer to Championship outfit Pompey after impressing for League of Ireland club Dundalk, Kenny has now been rewarded with an opportunity to shine at international level, and O’Neill insists he’s only concerned about ability.

"I just look at the player,” said O’Neill. “It wasn't me that brought him in, it was Tommy that brought him in initially.

"He's been around it so I would envisage that he's here because he wants to be here.

"He's gone through that trajectory of being in the League of Ireland, playing down a league, and really worked hard...he is where he is because he's clearly got a very good attitude to the game and that shines through when you watch him play.

"The background is not really that important for me if I'm honest, I just look at the lad as a player.

"He's really enjoyed being in the Northern Ireland set-up and coming off the back of a really strong U21 campaign, he deserves the opportunity to be in the squad.

"I haven't had any conversations with Stephen regarding Eoin, I've had communication with Eoin, and then obviously his performances with the U21s with Tommy is the most important thing for me...he's done extremely well in the games.

"I think it's important that the U21 players see that there is a pathway for them.”