O'Neill looking for FAI "gentleman's agreement" over player swap issue

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is seeking a “gentleman’s agreement” with his Republic counterpart, Martin O’Neill, over player representation.

O’Neill wants the FAI not to approach any young player who is already represented Northern Ireland at youth level.

“I hope that Martin and I can get some sort of gentleman's agreement whereby if a young boy has represented Northern Ireland at aged 17 to 21, the FAI don't ask him to change,'' he added.

The Irish Daily Mail quoted O’Neill as saying : “`The FAI only ever approach one type of player: Catholic.”

Players born in Northern Ireland are eligible to represent the Republic and O'Neill, who recently penned a contract extension with the Irish Football Association, is peeved at losing potential future senior internationals to the nation south of the border.

James McClean, Shane Duffy, Darron Gibson, Eunan O'Kane and Marc Wilson - senior internationals with Martin O'Neill's Republic side - all represented Northern Ireland at youth level before they transferred.

“`I don't have a problem with James McClean. He was 22 years of age, he knew what he wanted. I have a problem when it's a 16, 17 or 18-year-old having to make a decision on his international future.

What is the point of asking a player to change his allegiance, to make a decision about his whole international future, and then not pick him?”

I hope that Martin and I can get some sort of gentleman's agreement whereby if a young boy has represented Northern Ireland at aged 17 to 21, the FAI don't ask him to change,'' Michael O'Neill added.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland will meet the Republic in a Dublin friendly in November.