http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/thanks-but-no-thanks-2590696.html Liam Lawrence has revealed that members of the Irish squad are unhappy with public statements from players like Jermaine Pennant and Jamie O'Hara, who have openly stated that they might declare for Ireland if they don't realise their English ambitions. The Nottinghamshire-born midfielder says he was always clear about his own intentions, and never juggled his options like Pennant and O'Hara. Recent comments from the duo haven't gone down well in the Irish dressing room. Pennant's flirtation with an Irish conversion has drawn particular derision, considering that it's still unclear if he actually qualifies through a grandparent due to his slightly complicated family history. A change in FIFA rules in 2009 allowed players to switch from one country to another once they hadn't lined out in a senior competitive international. "He is a good player," said Lawrence, when asked about Pennant. "The only thing I know upsets us is when people are trying to juggle between England and Ireland. That's the only issue really. And it is not just me saying that. "It doesn't look good, does it? You know, for an Irishman to say that. I think Glenn (Whelan) has given him some stick already." He elaborated further when it was put to him that similar comments from O'Hara would have caused disquiet. "We don't dislike these people. It is just some of the comments they come out with when they're saying they are juggling between Ireland and England -- you just don't do it, do you?
I don't know, I know from experience it's possible to feel an affiliation to more than one country (although I'd feel far more of a connection to Stoke than England as a whole. Especially the football team!)
It is a bit of a bummer that you can realise your not good enough for one national team and play for a different team because of family connections, but at the end of the day, it's most likely going to improve the team. And if, 4 or so years ago, Gareth Bale realised how good he'd be today, would he have still chosen to play for Wales?
