Republic success 'could spark Northern Ireland exodus'

Northern Ireland Under-21 manager Steve Beaglehole has warned the Republic of Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2012 could tempt some of his young players to switch their international allegiance.

A controversial FIFA ruling exists that allows players born in Northern Ireland to declare for the Republic regardless of blood ties, and a handful of players have taken advantage of it despite spending time in the Irish Football Association’s youth set-up.