Northern star O’Kane set to shine down south
The Derry-born midfielder was capped by Northern Ireland all the way up to U21 level but could be available for Ireland’s next assignment away to Liechtenstein.
O’Kane’s Foyleside colleague Shane Ferguson, however, will not be joining him in the Republic ranks after the Newcastle United star informed U21 boss Noel King he’s staying put.
Any chance of Newcastle’s Premier League young gun Ferguson following O’Kane’s steps over the border are over for now. Still, until he wins a senior cap in a competitive international, the player is not prevented from departing to another nation.
It appeared likely the left-sided ace would switch, particularly after Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington openly criticised Ferguson for ignoring his phone calls, a claim later denied by the player. To add further weight to the speculation, the FAI’s head of scouting based in England, Don Givens, confirmed there had been contact with the player with a view to getting him on board.
Then, last week, the first hint emerged that Ferguson was staying loyal.
“Contact was received by me on Shane’s behalf to say he had decided to stay with the North,” admitted Ireland boss King in the wake of his team’s 1-0 loss to Turkey on Tuesday.
“I’ve no problem with that. We would like to wish him all the best.”
