Ireland new boy outlines why he chose Boys in Green ahead of Northern Ireland after tug of war between the two countries for his allegiance
Kasey McAteer could have lined out for England or Northern Ireland but opted instead for Ireland in honour of his grandmother.
Ireland new boy Kasey McAteer has revealed why he turned down Northern Ireland to hook up with The Boys in Green.
The Leicester City winger was involved in a tug of war between the Republic and Northern Ireland after each Association became aware of his eligibility.
Born in Northampton, McAteer qualified for Ireland through his Offaly born grandmother and for Northern Ireland via his Belfast-born grandfather.
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But he decided in June to opt for Ireland after detailed conversations with former boss Stephen Kenny and interim manager, John O’Shea.
With his passport finally secured in July, he had no hesitation in accepting Heimir Hallgrimsson’s request to join Ireland.
McAteer said: “While it took a while to get things sorted, to get my Irish passport, I am here now and happy to get started.
“I felt like I was wanted here from the chats I had with John O’Shea and before that with Stephen Kenny. I wanted to get started as soon as possible because my grandma is from County Offaly. She was proud of her heritage.
“Her brother, my late uncle Joe, was a big follower of Ireland. Everywhere he went he wore a little Irish badge and always reminded me that my blood is with Ireland. That was always drilled into me from young and hopefully he can be proud looking down on me.
“There are seven of my family coming over for the England match this weekend. They are all looking forward to it. I had a phone call with them last night, with my mum and dad, and they are all excited to be coming over and I am sure they will have a great time.”
Yet McAteer - like namesake Jason - was also eligible for Northern Ireland before opting to come south of the border.
He explained: “There were a few conversations that I had with Northern Ireland but not as many as I had with the Republic and I felt like this was the place for me to be. I felt really wanted here.”
But with England - the country of his birth - there was never any contact nor any offer of a trial.
McAteer said: “I have watched all of Ireland’s games. My team-mate Tom Cannon was here before and I’d an interest in watching him and obviously watching the country as well, watching the boys play, and there seemed to be a good fighting spirit within the team.”
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