O’Neill now likely to declare for US

Shane O’Neill is expected to end months of speculation over his international future by snubbing the Republic of Ireland in favour of the United States.

The Cork-born youngster, whose father Colm won All-Ireland SFC medals with the Rebels, popped up on the FAI’s radar last year after becoming a regular in MLS with Colorado Rapids and featuring for the US at the FIFA Under 20 World Cup.

Ireland U21 boss Noel King reached out to the 20-year-old about possibly switching over and he revealed to the Irish Examiner back in October he was open about pulling on the green jersey.