Newcastle United’s Shane Ferguson could be considering switching nationalities, according to reports in The Irish Times.
The 19-year-old has been capped at under-17, under-19, under-21 as well as B team and full international level for Northern Ireland.
As his one cap for the North came in a friendly, however, he is still eligible to switch to the Republic under current FIFA laws.
The Irish Times claim that the switch is very likely, and the FAI have so far refused to comment on the possibility.
The loss of Ferguson would be a bitter blow to the IFA, who have already lost Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy, Paul George, Daniel Kearns and Marc Wilson to the FAI.
“It would be another disappointment for us if Shane decides to go,” IFA president Jim Shaw told the Belfast Telegraph.
Ferguson, a former Gaelic footballer and Derry City player, has impressed in his five appearances for Newcastle this season.
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