More bad news for Stephen Kenny.
Republic of Ireland u21 star Connor O’Riordan makes surprising international switch, despite having already played for the Boys in Green several times at youth level.
Ireland have been a victim and a beneficiary of some international switches throughout the years, as players like Matt Holland, Clinton Morrison, John Aldridge and Jason McAteer all declared for the green jersey.
However, youth stars such as Jack Grealish and Declan Rice have famously changed allegiance to England, despite representing Ireland at underage level.
Earlier this year Mickey Johnson changed his nationality from Scottish to Irish, in order to play in Stephen Kenny’s team, but it’s role reversal this time around.
O’Riordan was born in Crewe and came through the ranks at the club, but the defender made his U21 debut in a friendly against Kuwait earlier this summer.
Disappointing to see (former) Ireland under-21 defender Connor O'Riordan named in the Scotland U21s squad. He's played 30 games of EFL football and he's not even twenty yet.#COYBIG https://t.co/L186mTGOD2
— Ireland Radar (@IrelandRadar) October 3, 2023
the 19-year-old made a promising start to life as an international, and it was widely expected that he would soon start knocking on the door at senior elev.
However, it appears that O’Riordan is no longer interested in achieving that feat, and has been announced as part of the Scotland u21 squad.
Although he has no experience at Championship or Premier League, 30 games at EFL level before the age of 20 is very impressive.
Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford is yet to announced his squad for their upcoming games, but it was expected that the now-Scottish youngster was going to be involved.
Although Kenny has been ratified as the senior manager for the last few games of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, his job is in serious jeopardy in the long run.
Losing young talent to other countries is definitely not news that he would be welcoming, especially as the u21s are on a good run of form lately.
Related links:
- Euro 2028: Ireland and the UK set to be confirmed as hosts
- Stephen Kenny to see out remainder of Euro 2024 qualifying campaign
- Assessing the FAI’s managerial options if Stephen Kenny leaves Ireland post
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