'we Can't Handcuff Players To A Decision' - O'neill On Atherton Switch

Northern Ireland head Michael O'Neill says that Chris Atherton's move to nan Republic of Ireland is "disappointing, but we person to judge it".

Atherton made history successful September 2022 erstwhile he became nan youngest elder footballer successful nan United Kingdom at 13 years and 329 days old, erstwhile he featured for Glenavon successful nan League Cup successful Northern Ireland.

The 17-year-old moved from Glenavon, who he had been pinch since nan property of four, to Chelsea's academy successful July 2025 earlier signing a master statement successful October.

Atherton represented Northern Ireland astatine Under-16 and Under-17 level, and was a younker ambassador astatine nan announcement successful Nyon for nan UK and Ireland's successful bid to big Euro 2028 successful October 2023, but has now changed allegiance to nan Republic of Ireland.

Speaking astatine his squad announcement for nan World Cup play-off semi-final successful Italy, O'Neill said "every subordinate has nan correct to make that choice".

"He's a young subordinate that had been initially successful nan Republic of Ireland set-up," he continued.

"He came backmost to beryllium portion of our set-up and I deliberation Chris played possibly 17 times for typical teams for us.

"But each subordinate has nan correct to make that choice, and evidently he's made that choice."

O'Neill besides referenced nan determination of Omari Kellyman, who is connected indebtedness astatine Cardiff City from Chelsea and switched to England from Northern Ireland successful 2023.

Northern Ireland person besides benefited from changes of allegiance, arsenic Jamie Donley and Ronan Hale switched from England and nan Republic of Ireland respectively successful nan past 12 months.

"We can't handcuff them to a determination that they made initially," O'Neill added.

"They person nan correct to make that prime erstwhile successful their career, and Chris has decided to make that choice.

"We tin only wish him well".