Kane opts for N. Ireland over Republic

Promising Blackburn defender Tony Kane has opted to play for Northern Ireland instead of the Republic of Ireland.

Kane, 20, has been drafted in to Nigel Worthington’s squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Latvia and Iceland on September 8 and 12.

Worthington turned to Kane as there remain concerns about the fitness of skipper, Fulham’s Aaron Hughes.

It is a coup for the new manager as the player has already turned out for the Republic Under-21s.

But as they were only friendly matches, Kane has been able to change his mind much to Worthington’s delight.

The former Norwich boss, who liased with Blackburn about the matter, said: “I am extremely encouraged by the response of Tony to our invitation to join the squad.

“I feel he can benefit enormously from the experience and have been really encouraged by his enthusiasm to participate.”

Worthington added: “This is a very positive sign for the IFA and for the team itself.

“We we look forward to welcoming Tony to the forthcoming get-together.”

Worthington is now hoping Manchester United’s Darron Gibson will follow Kane’s path and swap the Republic for Northern Ireland before the end of the qualifying campaign.