[liverbird]

As reported in www.soccernet.com

"The sectarian abuse received by the Celtic midfielder has persuaded Leeds United youth Henry McStay to quit Northern Ireland and play for the Republic instead. McStay was the captain of the North's Under-17 side until he heard the chants dished out to Lennon. Now he has opted to defect to play for the Republic of Ireland Under-18 side."

[-cman-]

A bitter pill to be sure. Still, one that will need to be repeated until certain parties in NI learn the error of their ways -- if that is indeed possible.

I just hope that Mr. McStay does not suffer personally for his supposed lack of patriotic ardor. Best of luck to him though. Can't wait to see him on the Republic side, perhaps in 2006.

[Gordy-NI]

Young McStay wanted to play for the Republic long before the Lennon affiar from what I can gather all his life...nothing to do with me or my co supporters for that matter...its more to do with politics here than it has with Neil Lennon..but thats something you know little about (which can be considered a plus ofcourse)...and thankyou anyway but perhaps I am being too righteous here, but I dont believe there are any errors of my ways a Northern fan that I should have to learn from.

[Benedict XVI]

why can a player who has played for NI just switch to the republic like that? a player who played at the youth level for England can't just switch to Germany, right?