retired_brose

If i gave a sh*t about the national team i owuld be against it on priciple. However as i dont and i think Almunia is far better than the shower of sh*t england have at the moment (perhaps a bit harsh on Carson)im all for it. It would be fantastic to sing Englands No 1 at Almunia when spurs come to visit

retired_nini59

and no, I'd much rather play and English youngster, if Almunia was world class though I might reconsider

retired_the_rocker_statement

They could also do a lot better tbh.

retired_writergirl

They could also do a lot better tbh. </BLOCKQUOTE>

You can accuse me of having my Wenger shades on, if you like. But if there's a much better keeper eligible to play for England at the moment... I'm afraid I haven't seen him.

retired_abofoodah

The situation between Northern Ireland and ROI is very complicated - players playing in the youth ranks for one country to then play in the seniors of the other, I'm not too sure what the actual ruling is anymore.

the latest update I see about it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/7082044.stm

retired_the_rocker_statement

To be honest think the whole switching sides is ridiculous. Unless your born in the country or one of your parents are from the country then you should play for the country where you where born.

None of this my great grannys uncles sons wifes dog was from there so I think I will play for them.

retired_heidus17

If Carson goes to Villa permantly he could quite quickly exceed Almunia, if not there already.

Everyone else is rubbish though. Well, James aside, but he aint gonna play again.

retired_6669

The problem is that Northern Irish players are eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland because they are all entitled to both Irish and British passports. Understandably, a lot of catholics want to pay for the republic. This is what the IFA is complaining about as a lot of players have committed to the republic when (in any other country's situation) they are not eligible.

retired_the_rocker_statement

Ruling needs to be changed in my opinion as I can see the "how can they are allowed to do that" argument coming up. Keep it simple, born there or your parents are that nationality then you can play if not then you play for country of your birth.

The whole Catholic and Protestant thing is becoming an escape route IMO. It is no where near as bad as it used to be regarding this, for example quite a lot of Linfields team is now Catholic dispite all the perceptions. Same can be said for more prodominately Catholic teams with Protestants in their teams.

phatreecio

Escape route from what?