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Derry City midfielder Stephen Mallon came out in favor of Northern Ireland, rejecting the Republic of Ireland, believing it to be the “best option” for playing international football.
Mallon, on loan to Derry from Sheffield United, was called up to Jim Crawford’s Under-21 group last weekend.
However, he rejected the approach, feeling that the correct football decision is to play for the North, adding that it was a “decision made with the head and not with the heart.”
The current Republic of Ireland U21 is considered one of the strongest groups in living memory.
The winger has scored three goals for the Candystripes this season, including last Sunday against Drogheda United in the FAI Cup.
“I got a phone call on Sunday to tell me that I’m on the Ireland Under-21 team, but actually I have chosen to go north,” Mallon told the Derry Journal.
“It’s been going on for a long time. It didn’t occur to me and I made the decision in a week or whatever. It’s been thought for a year.
“I’ve had talks with Stephen Kenny, Ian Baraclough and spoke with Michael O’Neill about it when I was manager. I had a conversation with Stephen Kenny today and let him know that I made my decision. He said he was disappointed but wished me well.
“I knew it was a difficult decision for me. It took me more than a year to make it and it was not something that was made lightly. It has been a family decision. It is more a decision made with the head than with the heart.
“I always grew up wanting to play for Ireland, but I think moving to Northern Ireland is a good football move for me. That’s what I want to move forward with. I spoke to Stephen Kenny and Ian Baraclough about it.”
Mallon added that the “path is clearer” to advance his prospects with Andy Crosby’s Under-21 group, and possibly a senior cap.
He said: “At this point in my career, I feel that Northern Ireland would be better for me. The path is clearer.
“I know I still have to be at the top of my game and perform every week to get into the Northern Ireland team, but I feel like there is a clearer path for me there.”
“It was mainly a football decision.
“It’s not about religion or anything like that, it’s a football decision. I grew up supporting Ireland and watching Ireland matches and I wanted to play for them, but I feel like Northern Ireland is a better option for me.”
“There aren’t many U-21 games left, so the best thing was to make a decision, settle into the squad and move on.
“The plan is to progress and get my first senior cap, but I need to be on top of my game in Derry. It’s not easier with Northern Ireland. I have to give 100% because a senior cap would be a huge achievement.”
Oxford United’s Mark Sykes recently switched from the North to the Republic, much to the disappointment of Northern Ireland boss Baraclough.
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