Kerr includes Macken in squad to face Bulgaria

BRIAN KERR has included Manchester City’s Jonathan Macken for Ireland’s match against Bulgaria on Wednesday next.

The former Preston attacker who was signed by City for £5 million in March 2002 has been cleared by FIFA to play for the Republic of Ireland.

Although Macken had previously played just once for England at U-20 level, he played at no other level for England. Under a change of FIFA rules, players who have not played in a full international game can play for a different country, provided they were entitled to nationality of that country at the time they played at underage level.

In Jonathan’s case he was eligible to play for Ireland through his grandparents and is the holder of an Irish passport.

Macken commented: “I’m delighted to hear that I have been cleared to play for Ireland and that Brian Kerr has selected me for the squad for the game against Bulgaria. It is an amazing honour for me and my family and I look forward to justifying my selection if given a chance in the game. I would like to thank Brian and the FAI for the manner in which they have pursued my case with FIFA.