It seems Liverpool’s young full back , John Flanagan, is to declare for Ireland.
This is more speculation than breaking news but I am taking the gamble.
The lad is a no nonsense full back and not afraid to get stuck in… He will be a top defender in time.
Saw something on another board about this a good few weeks ago. Good news if true although I thought when he first emerged it was believed he wasn’t eligible.
Flanagan close to Ireland switch By Miguel Delaney
SATURDAY, JANUARY 07, 2012
YOUNG Liverpool right-back Jon Flanagan is understood to be on the verge of declaring for the Republic of Ireland.
The highly-rated defender, who turned 19 on New Year’s Day, qualifies apparently through the so-called ‘grandparent rule’ andhas been ruminating on the decision for a number of months.
The Irish Examiner understands that, although there has yet to be any official contact between the FAI and Flanagan, he would be “welcomed with open arms” by the Irish set-up. The right-back has appeared for England U19s and U21s in the past year but reportedly feels that his long-term international future might be better served with Ireland.
Flanagan came on for Fabio Aurelio in the 71st minute of his club’s 5-1 FA Cup third round win over Oldham Athletic at Anfield last night and, just like his previous 10 appearances for Liverpool over the past season and a half, quietly impressed.
Should he declare for the FAI, then he could also solve a long-term problem for Ireland at right-back.
I think this is the case, unfortunately. Heartbreak for jimmy29.
He’s shit. Kelly, Foley and Coleman will serve us well for the coming years.
From the Liverpool Echo
Jon Flanagan will not be playing for the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012.
The 19-year-old Liverpool defender, who featured in Friday’s 5-1 FA Cup win over Oldham Athletic, has played for England at under-age level, making his U21 debut earlier this season.
But stories had circulated this weekend that Flanagan may switch allegiances in time to be part of Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for next summer’s tournament in Poland and Ukraine, on account of an Irish grandfather.
The ECHO, however, understands that is not the case, and that it would not be possible for Childwall-born Flanagan to represent Ireland within FIFA laws.