JOHN RIORDAN: From Blood and Bandage to the Stars and Stripes

There was a good reason for Shane O’Neill’s decision to politely decline an invitation in January to try his luck with the Republic of Ireland U21 side.

The Colorado Rapids defender had already committed to represent the country he has done most of his growing up in: the United States.

On Monday in Mexico, O’Neill lined out at centre back in the first of their two group games at the Concacaf U20 Championships in Mexico, a tournament which doubles as a qualifier for this summer’s U20 World Cup in Turkey.