Kasey McAteer says the Republic of Ireland was “the place for me” after turning down the chance to play for Northern Ireland.
The England-born Leicester City midfielder received his first Republic call-up for the Nations League games against England and Greece.
McAteer qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through a grandmother from Offaly while his grandfather hailed from Belfast, meaning he could have opted for Northern Ireland.
The 22-year-old was approached by the Irish Football Association [IFA] and Football Association of Ireland [FAI] before deciding to represent the Republic of Ireland.
“There were a few conversations with Northern Ireland but not as much as I had with the Republic – I felt that here was the place for me and that I was really wanted here,” said McAteer.
“As a young boy I didn’t really think about it but the more you grow up you learn about your family heritage, about what it would mean for me and my family to play for Ireland, that it would be a massive thing.”
McAteer, who will have seven members of his family travelling over for the Dublin game against England, admits that he was tempted by the chance to play international football for Northern Ireland.
“It was definitely a possibility – when I first heard about it was a big moment that a big country had come in for me,” he added.
“But when I started speaking to the Republic there was also a lot of interest shown and it was an ongoing thing with phone calls, email etc. That’s when I wanted to take it further forward, getting my passport, my Irish citizenship.
“So I’m glad I’ve got that done and that’s what brings me here and hopefully I can do my best for my country.”
McAteer could make his Republic debut on the same night Heimir Hallgrimsson takes charge of the team for the first time.
The former Iceland boss was appointed in July and is already making an impact on the players in preparation for the double-header.
“It’s been very good – I’ve only been training a couple of days and having team meetings with him and his staff,” said McAteer.
“There’s a clear vision for the squad but he doesn’t give too much away. It’s been good to get to know his new ways and the boys seem to be buying into that so we can take that forward.”
The Aviva Stadium opener against the Euro 2024 finalists is followed by another home game with Greece next Wednesday.
“We’re coming up against a world class side in England and we’ve got to have our own game plan and structure to nullify what they have and what they bring to us.
“We’ve got to believe that what we do is right – hopefully we can deliver our game-plan and get the win that we’re all working so hard for.”