Ireland and England face off this weekend, and for some players on both sides, loyalty to club and family is a topic of discussion.
Due to the geographical and historical ties between Ireland and England, some English players have Irish connections, and the same can be said for some Irish players.
Liam Scales, the Celtic defender, is one of the players in question. The former Shamrock Rovers player, now a Celtic star, has a father who was born and raised in England but will be attending the match at the Aviva Stadium this weekend to support his son.
However, the question of who he will be supporting humorously arose during the press conference, as it often does when the two sides meet. Scales explained that his dad will be in the Irish section and that it won’t be a tough choice for Scales senior.
God Bless Liam Scales 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/FbF7HZLmGC
— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) September 6, 2024
“The Irish end, definitely. If I can get tickets—they’re very expensive,” he said. “That’s an issue as well, but he’ll be in the Irish end," said Scales to the Independent.
“He’s from the centre of London. He’s been fully invested in my career for so many years now that it’s not even a choice for him. He used to bring us to Irish games when we were kids, and he’s followed Irish football longer than I have. It won’t be a difficult choice for him.”
Similarly, England and Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher's girlfriend will also be supporting her boyfriend. Gallagher's girlfriend is from Cork.
When asked a similar question to Scales, Gallagher gave a brief response about who she would support on Saturday.
“I don’t know, actually. She always supports me, but obviously, she’s an Irish girl, and I’m sure she doesn’t mind," said Gallagher to the Mirror
Ireland will begin their campaign on September 7 against England in a League B, Group B2 match. Following this, on September 10, they will face 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 take place 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 & Greece
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
