Macken named in Irish squad

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has added Manchester City's Jonathan Macken to the Irish squad for the clash with Bulgaria on August 18.

The former Preston attacker, signed by Manchester City for £5m (€7.5m) in March 2002, has today been cleared by FIFA to play for the Republic of Ireland.

Although Macken had previously played just once for England at U20 level – on June 20 1997 versus the UAE in the World Youth Championships for 27 minutes as a substitute – he played no other level for England.

Under a change of FIFA rules, players who have not played in a full international game can play for a different country, provided they were entitled to nationality of that country at the time they played at underage level.

In Macken's case he was eligible to play for Ireland through his grandparents and is the holder of an Irish passport.

Manager Brian Kerr said today: “I’m delighted to add Jonathan to the squad for Bulgaria. Once I became aware of his possible eligibility and desire to play for Ireland I have monitored his form closely.

"He has a good goal scoring record and links the play well from an attacking position. From our first meeting Jonathan’s Irish connections and links were very clear to me.

"His clearance to play for us gives us another attacking option for the games we face over the next two years.”

Jonathan Macken said: “It is an amazing honour for me and my family and I look forward to justifying my selection if given a chance in the game.

"I have always had a desire to play for the country of my family background and nationality but until now have never been given the opportunity. The change of rule has been beneficial to me and it is fair to players like myself who were not selected for the country of their nationality at underage level.

“I’m looking forward to joining up with what is a fantastic squad and over the next two years will be doing my utmost to establish my place in the team for the World Cup qualifiers.”