Cunningham’s warning over new Republic recruits

FAI CHIEFS say they’ll back Giovanni Trapattoni’s moves for new international talent following a controversial FIFA rule change allowing players over the age of 21 to switch international allegiance.

Despite concerns expressed yesterday by ex-Irish captain Kenny Cunningham, FAI chief executive John Delaney confirmed that the Association will happily take advantage of the new guidelines, despite his “surprise” at its ratification at a FIFA Congress last week.

Under the old rules players with dual nationality, who had already played for a country’s national team at youth level, were only allowed to switch loyalties until the age of 21. But a motion last week from Algeria, removing the reference to the age limit, was passed by a FIFA Congress, opening the way for many players to get a second chance in international football.