Keith Treacy says Tom Cannon's potential change of heart over his Republic of Ireland future does not sit well with him and revealed that during his own career he was once presented with the opportunity to switch international allegiances.
Stephen Kenny confirmed that Cannon, who has been capped by Ireland at U19, U20 and U21 level, is taking time to "reflect" on his international future after the Liverpool-born striker was approached by England.
Cannon impressed while on loan at Preston last season, scoring eight goals in 20 appearances, and Treacy believes people have been getting in the 20-year-old's ear over where his international future lies.
Former Ireland midfielder Treacy told the RTÉ Soccer Podcast: "I find it all a little bit strange really. I feel when you play for a country, it’s your country, it’s what you represent and what’s in your heart.
"I never thought you could pick and choose - the English FA show some interest and you then feel a bit English and go and represent them.
"I don’t like that type of thinking and I’m sure Stephen Kenny and Keith Andrews are having a look at this and thinking if he wants to go to the other camp then let him. They want people who are fully committed here.
"We’re past anger at this stage. Let’s be honest, we’ve nicked players from the North, Scottish and English players. It’s the way of modern football."
Treacy recalled a conversation with manager Mark Hughes during his teenage years, which opened the possibility of him representing Wales at international level.
"I remember when I was 16 or 17 and having a conversation with Mark Hughes at Blackburn, and telling him my father was born in Wales," said Treacy.
"Straight away he gave me an avenue to get into the Wales U21 set-up.
"In my heart I thought, 'I couldn’t play for Wales, I don’t feel one bit Welsh, I’m Irish’. Had I not been good enough to get into the Irish set-up, I wouldn’t have diverted to Wales.
"I understand that sometimes it falls a little bit differently for certain players, but generally it’s very black and white.
"It’s what in your heart. It’s not being Irish because you’re not good enough to get into the English set-up, and then all of a sudden you’re English. I don’t understand that.
"Players saying they’ve changed their mind is a big stretch of the imagination. It’s the people getting in their ear off the pitch."
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