Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I’M YET TO GET A CALL FROM MIKE
MICHAEL O’NEILL is still waiting on Michael Duffy to “pick up the phone” to tell him he has switched his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.
The Dundalk winger, crowned PFAI player of the year at the weekend, played for Northern Ireland at underage level and was part of the senior squad two years ago.
But the former Celtic starlet has told the FAI he is now committed to playing for the Republic and is currently awaiting international clearance from FIFA.
Asked for his reaction to recent developments at the Aviva Stadium yesterday, O’neill said: “Well, Michael has not informed me of his decision yet.
“We are aware of this and I would hope he’d pick up the phone.
“Michael has to make a decision and he is entitled to make it and hopefully at the age of 24 he’ll be able to pick the phone up.”
Asked if Duffy’s decision to play for the Republic represents a “massive loss” to his attacking options moving forward, O’neill replied: “He wouldn’t be a massive loss.
“We have players in that position – Stuart Dallas, Jordan Jones, Jamie Ward, Niall Mcginn – good players.”
Speaking about Duffy last week, Republic boss Martin O’neill said: “He’s chosen to play for us which I think is great and I think he is an exceptionally talented player.”
Meanwhile, O’neill concedes he could lose Jimmy Dunne to Northern Ireland after dropping the Hearts defender.
The 21-year-old was named in the Republic’s 36-man list for games against their neighbours and Denmark but was one of seven who failed to make the final cut. O’neill said: “If Northern Ireland choose to chase him, that’s a decision he’ll have to make.”