Martin O’Neill’s hopes of convincing English starlet to play for Ireland again handed boost

Exciting news this afternoon from the Aviva.

Martin O'Neill has not had a huge amount of luck trying to get players via the granny rule to join his set-up with the Republic of Ireland. The Derryman's efforts with Jack Grealish came to nought, while Mark Noble also refused the call, explaining that he felt he would not like to take the place in an Ireland squad from someone who would be more deserving of a spot as he explained last month.

"My nan and grandad are full Irish. But there are Irish boys who would love to play for Ireland, like me with England. I wouldn't put myself into something I wasn't fully committed to. I wouldn't want to take that chance off a full Irish player."

Despite all that disappointment, the search goes on for players willing to play for the Boys in Green, and Martin O'Neill has revealed one of the very best underage prospects in England could be about to switch allegiance. Again. Arsenal's Danny Crowley has played for both Ireland and England at underage, with the teenager most recently appearing for the England U19s after some time spent with Ireland's U17 squad. https://twitter.com/ArsenalTSN/status/665966557265309697 However, under Fifa rules, he can still declare for Ireland, unless he is capped at senior level by Roy Hodgson. The midfielder is one of the most highly rated prospects across the water, and O'Neill has met with the player in recent weeks according to the Irish Independent to try and convince him to declare for Ireland once again. Crowley's father is from Waterford, and there was huge disappointment in Irish football circles last year when England capped him at U19 level. It is unlikely the former Aston Villa man would be anywhere near starting for the Ireland senior side yet, but perhaps the FAI has learned after the Grealish saga that capping Crowley, and worrying about him afterwards, may be the best way to secure his future in green. https://twitter.com/TayakenTony/status/533346369545584640 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=RrZLK943yd4