BRISTOL CITY'S MARK SYKES has said the chance to represent the Republic of Ireland was a 'no brainer' when Ireland's Stephen Kenny phoned him up last month.
Ireland played two friendlies against Norway and Malta last month. Sykes came into the squad because Birmingham City striker Scott Hogan and Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane withdrew from the squad through injury.
Born in Belfast Sykes began his career with Glenavon and played for Northern Ireland at under-18, under-19 and under-21 youth levels. He made his debut for the under-21 side in September 2016.
The 25-year-old received numerous call ups to play for Northern Ireland's senior side, but opted to play for the Republic after Kenny called him last month.
Shortly after Sykes made his debut in a 1–0 win over Malta, becoming the first Belfast–born player to represent the Republic of Ireland since 1946.
Speaking to the BBC about debut he said "It was a friendly against Malta, but for me, it was one of the biggest games in the world. I didn't overthink it."
Mark Sykes reflects on becoming the first Belfast-born player to represent @FAIreland in 76 years ⚽️
Read more ⤵️#BBCFootball— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) November 28, 2022
"I trained hard and felt my chance was going to come and thankfully it did. It meant everything to finally get on the pitch."
"I was a little bit down not to play in the Norway game, but you always have to believe the next game will provide the opportunity."
Adding on why he chose to represent the Republic, the Bristol City starlet said: "When Stephen Kenny first gave me the call it was a no-brainer. It was maybe a risk in terms of game time, but not a risk in terms of what I wanted to do," he added.
"When I was growing up there was never anything for me to be part of regarding the Republic of Ireland. Our family didn't have a lot of money, they couldn't drive me back and forth to Dublin or wherever a soccer school was set up.
"When you're young the nationality side of things doesn't come into it as much, but when you're older you realise 'maybe that is the thing for me'.
Bristol City play Rotherham on December 10 next.
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