Marc Wilson faces what might have been

When Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill looks out on the pitch at the Aviva today, he’ll be entitled to regard Marc Wilson as one that got away.

Born in Aghagallon, the 27-year-old Stoke City defender played for his native Northern Ireland at U15 level before switching allegiance to the Republic, of whom he once said, “I grew up supporting them so it was a comfortable decision for me.”

Now, even if it’s only a training game, the 27-year-old is relishing the prospect of coming up against some familiar faces in the opposition team he could also have gone on to represent.