Staunton says Northern Irish players ‘more than welcome’

STEVE STAUNTON indicated yesterday that he would consider playing any Northern Irish player who might consider declaring for the Republic if the current passport row with FIFA can not be resolved.

The world governing body recently decreed that Northern Ireland players could only represent their country if they possessed a British passport, even though that contravenes a UN-recognised agreement that citizens can hold either British or Republic of Ireland documents.

The Irish ambassador to Switzerland met with FIFA officials on Monday to discuss the matter but it remains to be seen if there is any reversal on their stated policy.