New recruit Macken making most of second chance

NEW recruit Jonathan Macken yesterday spoke of the 20 minutes in 1997 that threatened to ruin his prospects of playing international football for Ireland.

The Manchester City striker will be given an opportunity to stake a claim to a regular place in tomorrow’s friendly against Bulgaria at Lansdowne Road.

But 20 minutes of action for England in the World Youth Cup finals in Malaysia seven years ago meant his Ireland prospects looked doomed ..... until FIFA changed the rules recently.

That rule change meant Macken could declare for Ireland because his grandparents on his father’s side came from Cavan. And Brian Kerr took full advantage the change by issuing the invitation that was music to Macken’s ears.

“At the time my selection for England’s youths team was just something that came out of the blue for me,” said Macken. “I was moving from Manchester United to Preston and before I knew it, I was in Malaysia.”

Ireland’s manager, Mick McCarthy, had just learned of Macken’s Irish background and there were good grounds for believing it was this interest that caused England to move to select him.

“I regretted playing for England when I realised I could have declared for Ireland,” said Macken.

“As a player, you’ve always got ambition, you always want to be an international. FIFA have given me another opportunity and it is up to me now to grab that with both hands and go for it.”

A fit Robbie Keane is the one certain starter for next month’s World Cup qualifying ties, so Macken will vie with Clinton Morrison, David Connolly, Alan Lee and Damien Duff to partner the Tottenham striker.

“I know the competition will be tough. But Robbie has got injured and it is up to someone else to step into his shoes when he is missing.”

Macken, born in Manchester, expressed regret that his grandfather, John, was not alive to enjoy his appearance in the green of Ireland. He died the summer before last but his father, Gerard, will be present, along with several other Irish relatives.

Meantime, Brian Kerr expressed relief that Ireland will face a Zidane-less France in Paris in their third qualifying tie in the World Cup.

“He is a fantastic player,” said Kerr. “But players can change their minds as we all know.

“They’ve lost some quality players but they have lots more like them who will come in and freshen up their squad.

“I’m obviously not unhappy that Zidane has opted out but whether it will weaken them we will have to wait and see.”