We have a declaration, folks, and whilst it might not be the one we're waiting on, the addition of a Bayern Munich teenager to the international selection pool is just the kind of news that will fire your Saturday night.
According to the Irish Independent Ryan Johansson - Bayern's ponytailed midfield teenager, with a granny from Clare and a granda from Westmeath - has informed Irish U19 manager Tom Mohan this evening, of his intention to represent the Republic henceforth.
The 17 year-old, who has yet to make a senior appearance for the five-time European Cup winners, qualifies for both Sweden and Luxembourg, and has featured for the international minnows at U21 level, having played for Mohan in an friendly against Wales in September. Having played competitively for the Luxembourgers, his decision to formally declare for Ireland, will now see him unable to represent any other national side in the future.
YouTube reveals allhttps://t.co/RuGxJKDaSm
— Irish Football Fan TV (@irishfantv) January 26, 2019
Johansson, who can also play wide on the right and at full back, started his youth career in Luxembourg with Racing FC before being picked up by the Metz youth system in France. It was there he came to the attention of the Bavarian giants, moving to their Säbener Strasse training facilities back in the summer of 2017.
Whilst not featuring for the first team, Johansson has made thirteen appearances for the club's U19 side this season, including four in the UEFA Youth League. He also got a run out in the pre-season International Champions Cup friendly series.
It will come as welcome news for all involved at the FAI, not-least-of-all Stephen Kenny, who must have one eye on Johansson as he prepares to build a squad for the upcoming Euro 2019 U21 qualifying campaign.
Let's pray that this will be the first of numerous declarations for Ireland in the coming months. That would be very Rice.
Fingers crossed.
