Dub13
17-04-2008, 08:19 PM
This story has been knocking around for a while now but it looks like it will happen soon.
Link (http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1312932,00.html)
Wayne Rooney's younger brother John could soon be making his international football debut... for the Republic of Ireland.And another member of the extended family looks set to follow him.
Reports have emerged that 17-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for League Two side Macclesfield Town, is considering declaring for the Republic.
Like his famous brother, John was also on the books of Everton, but was released at the age of 14.
He made his first team debut last month and, with the Republic due to play in next month's U17 European Championships in Turkey, he could soon be fast-tracked into the Irish set-up.
Former Ireland striker Tony Cascarino hailed the news as "fantastic".
The former Chelsea, Celtic and Aston Villa forward told Sky News Online: "I've never heard of two brothers playing for different countries before, so this would be a footballing boundary crossed.
"It's a strange one all right but, if John is anything like Wayne, we'll be delighted to have him play for us.
"I'm sure the Rooneys will see the funny side of it. I'd just encourage him to enjoy the Irish set-up and the relationship with the fans because it's very special."
And, incredibly, a Rooney cousin is also looking at linking up with the Boys in Green.
Tommy Amos, 16, from Wavertree in Liverpool, currently plays for Wigan Athletic's youth team and qualifies for the Irish through his Dublin-born grandmother.
He notched 312 goals in just three seasons for Merseyside Sunday league team Allerton before turning down Everton and joining the Latics.
"I haven't been to Ireland but my gran has always talked about me playing for Ireland," Amos told the Irish Post newspaper.
"If the chance came up I would love to play for Ireland. It would be great if the FAI approached me."
Amos has been top scorer for two of his three seasons with Wigan's underage teams and his progress is being monitored by scouts from other top clubs.
Already the bookmakers are laying odds on John Rooney and his possible link-up with the Irish.
Paddy Power are offering 11-1 on him playing a senior competitive international for Ireland, 28-1 on him being signed by Manchester United on or before 2010, and 50-1 on him captaining the Republic some day.
"There's been a lot of interest in him because of who his brother is," Paddy Power told Sky News Online. "Let's hope he turns out to be as good a finisher as Wayne!"
Talk of John and his cousin declaring for the Republic has set the Ireland fan forums buzzing.
So how long until the chant "Roooooooney" goes up among the Ireland fans?
Link (http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1312932,00.html)
Wayne Rooney's younger brother John could soon be making his international football debut... for the Republic of Ireland.And another member of the extended family looks set to follow him.
Reports have emerged that 17-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for League Two side Macclesfield Town, is considering declaring for the Republic.
Like his famous brother, John was also on the books of Everton, but was released at the age of 14.
He made his first team debut last month and, with the Republic due to play in next month's U17 European Championships in Turkey, he could soon be fast-tracked into the Irish set-up.
Former Ireland striker Tony Cascarino hailed the news as "fantastic".
The former Chelsea, Celtic and Aston Villa forward told Sky News Online: "I've never heard of two brothers playing for different countries before, so this would be a footballing boundary crossed.
"It's a strange one all right but, if John is anything like Wayne, we'll be delighted to have him play for us.
"I'm sure the Rooneys will see the funny side of it. I'd just encourage him to enjoy the Irish set-up and the relationship with the fans because it's very special."
And, incredibly, a Rooney cousin is also looking at linking up with the Boys in Green.
Tommy Amos, 16, from Wavertree in Liverpool, currently plays for Wigan Athletic's youth team and qualifies for the Irish through his Dublin-born grandmother.
He notched 312 goals in just three seasons for Merseyside Sunday league team Allerton before turning down Everton and joining the Latics.
"I haven't been to Ireland but my gran has always talked about me playing for Ireland," Amos told the Irish Post newspaper.
"If the chance came up I would love to play for Ireland. It would be great if the FAI approached me."
Amos has been top scorer for two of his three seasons with Wigan's underage teams and his progress is being monitored by scouts from other top clubs.
Already the bookmakers are laying odds on John Rooney and his possible link-up with the Irish.
Paddy Power are offering 11-1 on him playing a senior competitive international for Ireland, 28-1 on him being signed by Manchester United on or before 2010, and 50-1 on him captaining the Republic some day.
"There's been a lot of interest in him because of who his brother is," Paddy Power told Sky News Online. "Let's hope he turns out to be as good a finisher as Wayne!"
Talk of John and his cousin declaring for the Republic has set the Ireland fan forums buzzing.
So how long until the chant "Roooooooney" goes up among the Ireland fans?