When it comes to recruiting players born overseas, few teams have benefitted more from the 'granny rule' than the Republic of Ireland. Some of our best players from the last few decades were born outside of this country, going on to become legends in green.
In the modern game, it has become increasingly common for players to line out for a couple of different international teams. Ireland have benefitted from that, with some of our recent squad members having played for England at youth level. Of course, there have also been a handful of high-profile moves in the opposite direction.
Footballers playing for more than one nation over the course of their career is something that looks likely to become increasingly common in the years ahead, with another example now popping up.
READ HERE: 13 Big-Name Players That Were Eligible To Play For Ireland
READ HERE: 9 Irish-Born Footballers That Represented Other Nations On The International Stage
Ireland U21 international makes surprising Scotland switch
Connor O'Riordan may have been born in Crewe and came through the ranks at his local club, but he has only represented Ireland at international level up to this point in his career.
He first lined out for nation at U20 level in 2022, before making his U21 debut in the friendly against Kuwait earlier this summer. Still only 19-years old, you would have expected him to be in and around the squad over the next couple of years.
However, this week, O'Riordan was included in the Scotland U21 squad for their games against Hungary and Malta over the next couple of weeks.
#SCO21s | Scot Gemmill has named his Scotland Men's Under-21s squad for our upcoming #U21EURO qualifiers at home to Hungary and Malta 🏴#YoungTeam
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 2, 2023
This was disappointing news, though it is a common occurrence in international football.
READ HERE: Why Jude Bellingham Is Reportedly Getting His Irish Passport Now
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Connor O'Riordan snubs Scotland
Many had thought this was this end of O'Riordan's career with the Republic of Ireland. However on Wednesday, O'Riordan performed a dramatic U-turn and reaffirmed his commitment to Ireland.
The Courier newspaper in Dundee reported on Wednesday that O'Riordan had decided to snub Scotland after all.
The paper reports he has committed his future to Ireland.
It's been an interesting week for the lad, as he scored his first goal of the season for Crewe last night.
Connor O'Riordan's goal is the difference at the break.#CreweAlex pic.twitter.com/tSU43n48KO
— Crewe Alexandra (@crewealexfc) October 3, 2023
With Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford set to announce his next squad later on Thursday, we'd imagine Connor O'Riordan will be included --- which are not words we expected to write this week.
SEE ALSO: Luton Boss Heaps Praise On "Selfless" Chiedozie Ogbene
