O’Neill now likely to declare for US

Shane O’Neill is expected to end months of speculation over his international future by snubbing the Republic of Ireland in favour of the United States.

The Cork-born youngster, whose father Colm won All-Ireland SFC medals with the Rebels, popped up on the FAI’s radar last year after becoming a regular in MLS with Colorado Rapids and featuring for the US at the FIFA Under 20 World Cup.

Ireland U21 boss Noel King reached out to the 20-year-old about possibly switching over and he revealed to the Irish Examiner back in October he was open about pulling on the green jersey.

However, US manager Jurgen Klinsmann has moved to tie him to the Stars and Stripes by calling up the talented defender for a training camp this month, which is a pre-World Cup work-out.

If O’Neill impresses in that camp, which will take place in California and then Brazil, he could be capped in one of their summer friendlies and put him in their national pool in a World Cup year.

While he won’t be stuck with the US until he plays in a competitive fixture, Klinsmann has made some significant ground on Ireland manager Martin O’Neill to recruiting the player.

Klinsmann also included Chicago Fire striker Mike Magee in his 26-man squad.