Ireland's new recruit, Kasey McAteer, has explained that his grandmother's late uncle's fondness for Ireland played a significant role in his decision to become an Irish football player.
The Leicester player has joined the Ireland team for the first time after receiving international clearance and completing his paperwork.
As with every English-born player who declares for the Boys in Green, the question of heritage inevitably arises. McAteer explained that his family ties played a big part in his decision.
"While it took a while to get things sorted to obtain my Irish passport, I am here now and happy to get started," he said to the Irish Independent
"I felt like I was wanted here from the chats I had with John O’Shea and before that with Stephen Kenny. I wanted to get started as soon as possible because my grandma is from County Offaly. She was proud of her heritage.
"Her brother, my late uncle Joe, was a big follower of Ireland. Everywhere he went, he wore a little Irish badge and always reminded me that my blood is with Ireland. That was always drilled into me from a young age, and hopefully he can be proud looking down on me.
McAteer's family will be at the Aviva this weekend when England come to Dublin. The 22-year-old added that he is delighted they are attending.
"There are seven of my family coming over for the England match this weekend. They are all looking forward to it. I had a phone call with them last night, with my mom and dad, and they are all excited to be coming over. I am sure they will have a great time."
In an alternate universe, McAteer could have declared for Northern Ireland, and any hope of the Republic convincing him could have been pie in the sky.
However, that's not the case, and McAteer explained that Ireland was the only team for him. After talks with another English-born Ireland player, Tom Cannon, the Irish fighting spirit is another reason he is now an Ireland player.
Let’s go @IrelandFootball 💚 pic.twitter.com/xeifdxb5jV
— Kasey McAteer (@kasey_mcateer) September 2, 2024
"There were a few conversations that I had with Northern Ireland, but not as many as I had with the Republic, and I felt like this was the place for me to be. I felt really wanted here.
"I have watched all of Ireland’s games. My teammate Tom Cannon was here before, and I had an interest in watching him and obviously watching the country as well, watching the boys play. There seemed to be a good fighting spirit within the team."
