Flanagan close to Ireland switch

YOUNG Liverpool right-back Jon Flanagan is understood to be on the verge of declaring for the Republic of Ireland.

The highly-rated defender, who turned 19 on New Year’s Day, qualifies through the so-called ‘grandparent rule’ and has apparently been ruminating on the decision for a number of months.

The Irish Examiner understands that, although there has yet to be any official contact between the FAI and Flanagan, he would be “welcomed with open arms” by the Irish set-up. The right-back has appeared for England U19s and U21s in the past year but reportedly feels that his long-term international future might be better served with Ireland.

Flanagan came on for Fabio Aurelio in the 71st minute of his club’s 5-1 FA Cup third round win over Oldham Athletic at Anfield last night and, just like his previous 10 appearances for Liverpool over the past season and a half, quietly impressed.

Should he declare for the FAI, then he could also solve a long-term problem for Ireland at right-back.