Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison has been called into the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for the European Championship matches against Portugal and Estonia next month. Don Givens called up the 22-year-old after Morrison confirmed to senior manager Mick McCarthy he would pledge his international future to Ireland. Morrison obtained his Irish passport in time to be called into Givens' panel for the two qualifiers.
A Football Association of Ireland statement read: “Clinton Morrison has been called into the Under-21 squad for the European Championship games against Portugal and Estonia. Morrison, who qualifies for the Republic as his Irish grandmother Mary is from Dublin, has succeeded in obtaining an Irish passport in time. Morrison, who also had claims to play for Jamaica and England, has decided he wants to declare for the Republic.”
Senior team manager Mick McCarthy was happy the player had taken this decision. “I am delighted Clinton has decided to row in with us. I know he had been trying to obtain an Irish passport for some time and I am delighted he is now in a position to say that it has been processed and he is clear to play for the Republic.” (PA)
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
