It’s not the opportunity to play for a better team that makes players from Northern Ireland throw their lot in with the Republic, it’s the anthem that does it.
Former Northern Ireland international Paul McVeigh reckons that having to stand to attention to the strains of God Save The Queen is the real reason why players have flocked to join the FAI’s team rather than stick with the IFA’s.
“The IFA has to make decisions if it wants to stop players from the north opting to play for the Republic and the answers are staring them in the face,” the former Norwich player told the Belfast Telegraph.
“Who are the people who make decisions at IFA level and can they really say that it is a good thing for football in Northern Ireland to have the English anthem played before games?
“Northern Ireland, as long as it continues with that anthem, will not have an identity of its own and players will continue to turn to the Republic.”
We thought we heard all the excuses but this is a new one on us.
What do you reckon? If Northern Ireland football had their version of Ireland’s Call, would they be able to keep hold off a few more players?
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