Interim England manager and former Ireland player Lee Carsley revealed in a press conference that he is proud of his time with the Irish national team.
Carsley, a Birmingham native, declared for Ireland during his career and played 40 times for the Boys in Green. However, his allegiance is now with the white of England.
The former Everton player had a fruitful time with the England U-21s and has now taken charge of the England senior team for the upcoming Nations League games, one of which is against his former side, Ireland.
The 50-year-old, who was long tipped to replace former Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, was asked about his time with Ireland as a player and expressed his love for the country.
"It was a really proud part of my career," said Carsley. "Forty caps for the Republic of Ireland is something that I'm proud of. I'm equally proud of today. Being named interim manager and head coach of England is a massive achievement and something that I don't underestimate, but I'm definitely proud of my heritage.
Lee Carsley was tipped to take over from Stephen Kenny (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)"I was back in Cork in the summer at a family reunion, so it was good timing to go back and see so much family. I'm really looking forward to the game in Dublin. I think it's going to be a brilliant occasion, a proud moment.
"Obviously, I've not been back to Dublin for a while from a footballing point of view, but it's a match that I'm really motivated for. I cannot wait to get there."
Ireland will begin their campaign on September 7 against England in a League B, Group B2 match. Following this, on September 10, they will take on Greece. The team will then travel to Finland for their next fixture on October 10. Just three days later, on October 13, Ireland will face Greece again, this time away.
Their penultimate match will be on November 14, when they host Finland. Finally, Ireland will conclude their group stage on November 17 with a match against England.
Republic of Ireland Squad: England & Greec
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Sunderland), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City).
Attackers: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).
UEFA Nations League: Fixtures
07/09: Ireland vs. England, Aviva Stadium, 5pm
10/09: Ireland vs. Greece, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
