Northern Eire supervisor Michael O’Neill says that Chris Atherton’s change to the Republic of Eire is “disappointing, however we now have to just accept it”.
Atherton made historical past in September 2022 when he grew to become the youngest senior footballer in the UK at 13 years and 329 days outdated, when he featured for Glenavon within the League Cup in Northern Eire.
The 17-year-old moved from Glenavon, who he had been with for the reason that age of 4, to Chelsea’s academy in July 2025 earlier than signing knowledgeable contract in October.
Atherton represented Northern Eire at under-16 and under-17 stage, and was a youth ambassador on the announcement in Nyon for the UK and Eire’s profitable bid to host Euro 2028 in October 2023, however has now modified allegiance to the Republic of Eire.
Talking at his squad announcement for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy, O’Neill mentioned “each participant has the appropriate to make that selection”.
“He is a younger participant that had been initially within the Republic of Eire set-up,” he continued.
“He got here again to be a part of our set-up and I believe Chris performed possibly 17 instances for consultant groups for us.
“However each participant has the appropriate to make that selection, and clearly he is made that selection.”
O’Neill additionally referenced the choice of Omari Kellyman, who’s on mortgage at Cardiff Metropolis from Chelsea and switched to England from Northern Eire in 2023.
Northern Eire have additionally benefited from modifications of allegiance, as Jamie Donley and Ronan Hale switched from England and the Republic of Eire respectively previously 12 months.
“We will not handcuff them to a choice that they made initially,” O’Neill added.
“They’ve the appropriate to make that selection as soon as of their profession, and Chris has determined to make that selection.
“We are able to solely want him effectively.”
