Carson: Silly eligibility rule is unfair and should have age cap

COLERAINE winger Josh Carson believes Fifa’s eligibility rule is “silly” and he asserts there should be an age cap introduced to stop older players transferring allegiance.

Young players in Northern Ireland can choose to play for the Republic of Ireland, provided they haven’t made a senior competitive appearance for the North.

Carson, who made his Northern Ireland debut against the Republic at the Aviva Stadium in May 2011, feels the eligibility rule is unfair on the Irish FA.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has raised concerns regarding the FAI’s approach to the issue and the former York City ace, who has four senior caps, can understand his frustration.

The 25-year old feels players should be able to make a call on their international future by the age of 18.

“I wouldn’t criticise a player for wanting to play for the Republic, but I would question why they didn’t make that decision earlier,” said Carson (right).

“Why play from the age of 16 to 21 with Northern Ireland sides and then switch allegiance?

“You are a man by the age of 18 or 19 and you should be in a position to make that call.

“Fair enough, you can play for the Republic if you want, but why play for Northern Ireland for five or six years and then switch?

“You should know exactly what you want to do but many don’t.

“It’s a rule that should be looked at and if we could put an age cap on the move then it would end a lot of the uncertainty.

“It’s an ongoing issue for the Irish FA to deal with. “I think it’s silly. “I don’t have any issues with players having the right to choose which team to play for but I don’t think there should be one rule for one and one for another.

“I feel the same rules should apply to players in the Republic. Michael is understandably frustrated with it because players will jump ship at a young age.”

Carson’s senior international bow was that infamous 5-0 thumping dished out by the Republic in the ill-fated Carling Nations Cup.

“There will be big hype around the game but it will be nice to gauge how Northern Ireland do against the Republic,” he added.

“The Republic seemed to be stronger for years but now I think the shoe is on the other foot — Northern Ireland are better.

“It will be interesting to see how the game goes.

“You could always tell Michael was going to be a huge success. He’s been brilliant and the players have so much respect for him.

“The way he talks to you and appreciates you is second to none and that’s how he gets the best out of players.

“I am really enjoying my time in Northern Ireland, it was a huge honour to play for my country and I’m delighted the team has been doing so well under Michael.”

With this the first meeting since 2011, much of the rivalry has been played out off the pitch and in the arena of player eligibility. Both managers often find themselves looking at the same young players who are eligible for either nation. O’Neill said he has previously spoken toJimmyDunne—whowasnamedin the Republic’s provisional squad for this match but did not make the final cut — about switching, but does not expect anything to come from it. But O’Neill seemed frustrated that Michael Duffy, who has played 12 times for Northern Ireland’s Under-19s and Under-21s, still has not spoken to him personally to confirm his decision to favour the Republic. “Michael has to make a decision and hopefully at the age of 24 he’ll be able to pick the phone up,” he said.