FAI ARE SILENT

THE FAI has refused to comment on Michael O’neill’s request for a “gentleman’s agreement” to prevent the poaching of young Northern Ireland players.

But an Irish Football Association source last night insisted the relationship between the two associations remains “very strong and very positive”. Northern Ireland boss O’neill (above) has claimed that the FAI are selective in which players they target from north of the border.

“The FAI only ever approach one type of player – Catholic,” he said.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’neill will be in Dublin tomorrow to name his squad for the

March 23 friendly in Turkey. And he will face questions on his namesake’s desire to strike a “gentleman’s agreement” to the ongoing issue.

Michael O’neill wants O’neill’s word that he will not target players who have represented Northern Ireland between the ages of 17 and 21.

It is his belief that players of that age are too young to make a decision on their long-term, senior international futures.

An IFA source said: “Michael is very passionate about this subject.”

Players born on this island can represent either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland until they are capped competitively at senior level.