Arsenal starlet, Marcus Agyei-Tabi, has become the latest player to defect to England despite representing Ireland at underage level.
The 16-year-old (seen in the above image on the extreme right, no.6) represented Ireland at U17 level at the European Championships in May, but has opted to play for England at senior level.
The highly-rated teen featured in the Guardian's "20 best young players in the Premier League" last month and has already trained with the London side's first team.
Ireland U17 boss Tom Mohan admitted: “The FAI did everything in our power to keep Marcus because we know what a talented player he is.
“England began to take an interest in him from the time he played for us against them at the European finals. They made their move after that.
“Although I kept in touch with Marcus and his family after that, his decision was made.
“There was no point in asking Martin O’Neill to speak with him because it wouldn’t have changed anything.
“Of course, we’re disappointed to lose him but another player took his place for the first phase of European qualifiers in September and we progressed to the elite phase early in the new year.”
The FAI have already signed FIFA’s release form meaning Agyei-Tabi is now tied to England for the rest of his career.
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