Chelsea prospect Chris Atherton has switched allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, having been capped previously by Northern Ireland.
The 17-year-old has represented the North at Under-16 and U17 but remained eligible for the switch under FIFA rules.
He is best known for making his senior debut for Glenavon in the Northern Ireland Premiership aged just 13 before joining the Premier League side.
Last October he signed a first professional contract with the London side.
The change of international side has been officially published On FIFA's Change of Association platform.
Atherton’s father Stephen told the Belfast Newsletter that his original choice was always around feasibility.
He said: "Christopher was on the FAI emerging talent programme from 12 years of age and it simply wasn’t feasible to continue to attend training sessions in Dublin with that group as they increased in frequency throughout his high school years and commitments with Glenavon at senior level.
"Andy Waterworth at the Irish FA was playing for Glenavon at the time and asked that Christopher join the IFA set-up in an attempt to persuade him to pledge his allegiance to the North.
"He was then capped at U16 and U17 level.
"As soon as Christopher left school and moved to London there was no logistical impediment to him representing Ireland and that is where his heart and ambitions lie."
Atherton is likely to come into consideration for the Republic of Ireland U19 side.
He is currently playing for Chelsea’s U18 outfit as he seeks to progress his career at club level.
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