Northern Ireland Under-21 manager Steve Beaglehole has warned the Republic of Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2012 could tempt some of his young players to switch their international allegiance.

TODAY attention turns towards next summer’s European Championships and Ireland’s first presence at a major tournament for ten years.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is without Georgios Samaras, Kris Commons and Gary Hooper for tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Rennes in France.

Ross County 0 Celtic 2

FORMER Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr sympathises with Northern Ireland’s continued loss of young talent to his old side and admits players switching allegiance “doesn’t sit right” with him.

GARETH MCAULEY has brushed aside James McClean’s decision to snub Northern Ireland and says the team’s Euro 2012 hopes will not be sidetracked by the issue.

Gareth McAuley has brushed aside James McClean's decision to snub Northern Ireland and says the team's Euro 2012 hopes will not be sidetracked by the issue.

Striker James McClean has confirmed his intention to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland after claiming he is on the verge of a move to Barclays Premier League club Sunderland.

NORTHERN Ireland manager Nigel Worthington says he is frustrated and disappointed at the number of talented footballers opting to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.

THE Republic’s Under 17s will be desperate to avoid a Greek tragedy as they strive for the one qualifying place for May’s UEFA Championship finals this week in Alexandropolis.

Republic of Ireland U17 manager, John Morling, has named a 17-man squad ahead of the UEFA Championship elite qualifying phase.