Youngster Ferguson commits to North

NEWCASTLE UNITED youngster Shane Ferguson has reaffirmed his commitment to Northern Ireland to end speculation he could defect to the Republic of Ireland.

FIFA rules mean players born in Northern Ireland can play for the Republic, and the likes of Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson and Everton defender Shane Duffy have chosen to do just that in the recent past.

However, 20-year-old Ferguson, who has represented Northern Ireland at senior international level, but only in a friendly, has decided to stick with the North.