TONY Cascarino has said he 'strongly resents' a comment made by Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given about his Irishness.
In his column for The Sun Cascarino took exception to an interview in which Given was quoted about Jack Grealish in the build up to the FA Cup final as saying “He has an affiliation with the country, it’s not like Cascarino or something.”
Cascarino responded by writing: “I played with Shay Given for Ireland for three and a half years. He never once questioned my Irishness then, so I am surprised he’s done so now.”
“I strongly resent Shay’s suggestion that I had no affiliation for Ireland.
"Because I have an Italian surname, I think I am an easy target when people discuss players born outside Ireland who played for the team - but I would expect more from Shay.”
Capped 88 times by the Republic of Ireland Cascarino qualified to play for Ireland as his mother's father was from Mayo.
Cascarino subsequently discovered his mother was adopted, but in November, 2000 the FAI confirmed his eligibility.
"The FAI are satisfied that Tony Cascarino was always eligible to become a citizen of the Republic of Ireland and was, therefore, always eligible to play for Ireland.”
Cascarino says he will confront Given about the issue.
“I am one for tackling things head on, so when we next bump into each other, I will have it out with him,” he said.
“He should check his facts, because I was not only proud to play for Ireland, but qualified to do so.
"I take it quite personally when people call that into question.”
