IRELAND HAVE had more than one English-born player play for the national team over the years.
Players during the Jack Charlton era made the genetic made up of the squad more diverse if you can even call it that, John Aldrige, Ray Houghton, Tony Cascarino to name a few were examples.
It's part and parcel of international football and has for many year. Will Keane is the latest player to declare his alleigence to Ireland. Keane may have represented England at u21 level, but the Wigan striker is "unbelievably proud" to represent the Irish team, and for good reason.
The 28-year-old's story is a unique one. His father is from Sligo and has joining up with the Irish team has helped him to rekindle his Irish roots.
“My dad is Irish, he was born in Sligo. He was raised there and was actually an orphan. He went to boarding school and was adopted, and moved to England when he was 10.
“Unfortunately, my dad lost touch with his roots, for obvious reasons as he was given away as a child, but to sort of reconnect with that and have the opportunity to represent Ireland is a massive honour and something I’m really proud of doing.
Worth listening to Will Keane's Ireland story 🇮🇪#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #WeAre100 pic.twitter.com/2fzC26KecE
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 9, 2021
“Because of the circumstances, he hasn’t stayed in touch with his family, so for him to reconnect with that is a massive thing, so he’s really proud. For me to give him that gives me a lot of pleasure."
Keane is the brother of Micheal Keane who plays for Everton. Micheal has declared for England, while Will has stuck to his Irish roots
Keane was called up for last month’s fixtures against Azerbaijan and Qatar but dmimssed out because of injury, although James McClean has ensured he was never very far from the gafers plans.
It first came on the radar a few years ago, under Mick McCarthy. That’s when I declared for Ireland, I think he was considering me for selection then. That’s quite a few years ago now.
“Since the start of this season, the manager has been coming to the games and has been watching me with James being a regular. I think he had a couple of discussions with the manager as well.
“He kept an eye on me and I was delighted to be included in the recent squad, and I’m looking forward to more.”
Keane will be looking to down Portugal when Ireland face them in the Aviva this week. Let's hope Keane can replicate the other Keane's
Dublin , Ireland - 4 October 2021; Will Keane during a Republic of Ireland training session. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)