Onus on Clubs to fly football’s national flag

TIME was when footballers insisted that a clause releasing them for international matches would be written into their new club contracts.

Frank Stapleton was one who insisted on this when he moved from Arsenal to Manchester United, Liam Brady was another. Brady took such pride in wearing the green shirt that he did not look for a match fee.

International football is not just the icing on the cake, it is the very essence of the cake; its flavour, its aroma, its enduring richness and appeal. But, for a very small group of men, international football is anathema.