Derry City midfielder Stephen Mallon has declared for Northern Ireland, turning down the Republic of Ireland, believing it is the "better option" to play international football.
Belfast native Mallon, on loan at Derry from Sheffield United, was called up to Jim Crawford's Under-21 group last weekend.
However, he rejected the approach, feeling the correct footballing decision is to play for the North, adding it was a "decision made with my head rather than my heart".
The current Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad is considered one of the strongest groups in memory.
Mallon represented Northern Ireland at U16 level before switching to the Republic for U18 to U21.
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 say I am in the Ireland Under-21 squad but I’ve actually chosen to go to the north," Mallon told the Derry Journal.
"It’s been going on for a long time. I haven’t just come up with it and made the decision within a week or whatever. It’s been thought out over a year.
"I've had chats with Stephen Kenny, Ian Baraclough and I spoke to Michael O’Neill about it when he was manager. I had a conversation with Stephen Kenny today and let him know I’ve made my decision. He said he was disappointed but wished me well.
"He knew it was a hard decision for me. It took me over a year to make and it wasn’t something which came lightly. It’s been a family decision. It’s more of a decision made with my head rather than my heart.
"I’ve grown up always wanting to play for Ireland but I feel switching to Northern Ireland is a good footballing move for me. That’s what I want to go ahead with. I’ve spoken to both Stephen Kenny and Ian Baraclough about it."
Mallon added that the "pathway is clearer" to advance his prospects with Andy Crosby’s Under-21 group, and possibly a senior cap.
He said: "At this moment in time in my career, I just feel Northern Ireland would be better for me. The pathway is clearer.
"I know I still have to be on top of my game and perform every week to get into the Northern Ireland side but I feel there’s a clearer pathway for me there."
"It was mainly a footballing decision.
"It's not about religion or anything like that, this is a football decision. I grew up supporting Ireland and watching Ireland games and wanted to play for them but I feel Northern Ireland is a better option for me.
"There are not many U-21 games left so it was best to make a decision and get myself settled into the squad and push on.
"The plan is to progress and get my first senior cap but I need to be on top of my game at Derry. It’s not easier with Northern Ireland. I have to give 100% because a senior cap would be a massive achievement."
Oxford United's Mark Sykes recently changed from the North to the Republic, much to the disappointment of Northern Irish boss Baraclough.
