Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison has declared he always wanted to play for the Republic of Ireland while growing up. Although Morrison took some time to finally make up his mind regarding which country he would declare for, he has revealed his family convinced him that Ireland was the right choice. The 22-year-old, who is expected to make his senior debut for the Republic in tomorrow night's friendly clash with Croatia at Lansdowne Road, was advised to declare for England by his former boss at Palace, Alan Smith, and was almost tempted to do so before changing his mind.
"I was wrongly persuaded to think that way after being told that I would go straight into the England Under-21 team. But now I have no doubt as to where my loyalties lie. My mind was definitely made up when my mother's side of the family, who are all Irish, told me to declare for Mick McCarthy's team," he said.
Now that Morrison is devoted to the Irish cause, he is eager to make his first appearance in the green jersey at senior level. "Fingers crossed, I will get my chance against Croatia. You never stop learning in football and I know it's important that I make an immediate impact. I am never nervous before games. But it might be different tomorrow night if I am picked in the starting line-up," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
