Another soccer player born in Northern Ireland has declared for the Republic of Ireland team.
Derry City's James McClean, who is expected to sign for premiership giants Sunderland this week, was included in Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington's side to play the Faroe Islands at Windsor Park on Wednesday.
However, McClean informed Worthington that he wants to play for the republic instead.
The 22-year-old winger, who has been watched in recent weeks by a host of English clubs, is the sixth footballer from the North to turn his back on Northern Ireland in the last three years and opt for the republic.
Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Daniel Kearns and Paul George have all taken advantage of a FIFA ruling which, because of the Good Friday Agreement, allows players born in Northern Ireland to play for the Republic, providing they hold an Irish passport.
McClean said that while he was pleased to receive a call up to the Northern Ireland panel, it was always his dream to play his international football with the republic.
"It was a blow seeing Irish league players being called up before me to the Northern Ireland squad, but having got the call I was relieved," said McClean.
"However, it's always been my dream to play for the republic and hopefully that will become a reality now that I'm going to be a Sunderland player."
Irish Football Association chiefs in the North have been left reeling that a sixth Northern Ireland born player has quit their set-up for the South, especially considering they have invested a lot of money in their international youth development.
McClean's decision only compounds the lack of depth at manager Worthington's disposal as Northern Ireland are also struggling with injuries to several players ahead of the must-win game against the Faroes with Kyle Lafferty, Martin Paterson and Josh McQuoid all out injured and Chris Brunt suspended.
"It is disappointing to lose players ahead of an important qualifier, but our focus remains on Wednesday night," Worthington said.
