Hearts ace may be Dunne with us
REP OF IRELAND v N IRELAND Tonight,7.45pm, Live On Sky Sports
concedes he could lose Jimmy Dunne to the Republic of Ireland’s northern neighbours after dropping the Hearts defender from his squad.
The 21-year-old was named in former Celtic boss O’Neill’s provisional 36-man list for the games against Northern Ireland and Denmark but was one of seven players who failed to make the final cut.
Dunne has been in outstanding form for the Jambos since joining on loan from Burnley in August. He had also attracted the attention of Northern Ireland – whom he qualifies for through the grandparent rule – and held talks with manager Michael O’Neill.
And ahead of their friendly clash against their rivals tonight, Ireland boss Martin is well aware his namesake could step up his interest in the centre-half.
He said: “I told Jimmy exactly what I was doing.
“I put him into the squad originally but he wasn’t going to make the final one. We’re keeping an eye on him.
“If Northern Ireland choose to chase him, that’s a decision he’ll have to make.”
Martin’s counterpart Michael is expecting a close match between the two sides at the Aviva.
He said: “Martin’s squad is in transition like ours. Both teams are in a similar situation at the moment and we expect a tough game.”