Kasey McAteer says the Republic of Ireland was “the place for me” after turning down the chance to play for Northern Ireland.
The England-born Leicester City midfielder received his first Republic call-up for the Nations League games against England and Greece.
McAteer qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through a grandmother from Offaly while his grandfather hailed from Belfast, meaning he could have opted for Northern Ireland.
The 22-year-old was approached by the Irish Football Association [IFA] and Football Association of Ireland [FAI] before deciding to represent the Republic of Ireland.
“There were a few conversations with Northern Ireland but not as much as I had with the Republic – I felt that here was the place for me and that I was really wanted here,” said McAteer.
“As a young boy I didn’t really think about it but the more you grow up you learn about your family heritage, about what it would mean for me and my family to play for Ireland, that it would be a massive thing.”
McAteer, who will have seven members of his family travelling over for the Dublin game against England, admits that he was tempted by the chance to play international football for Northern Ireland.
“It was definitely a possibility – when I first heard about it was a big moment that a big country had come in for me,” he added.
“But when I started speaking to the Republic there was also a lot of interest shown and it was an ongoing thing with phone calls, email etc. That’s when I wanted to take it further forward, getting my passport, my Irish citizenship.
“So I’m glad I’ve got that done and that’s what brings me here and hopefully I can do my best for my country.”