Kasey McAteer turned down an approach from Northern Ireland and also snubbed any future chance of playing for England to represent the Republic of Ireland.
Born in Northampton but with Irish grandparents, one from Offaly and the other from Belfast, Kasey McAteer wasn’t short of options on the international stage.
Overlooked by England at youth level, McAteer was approached by Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland but decided to go with the latter and could make his debut for them this weekend against England after receiving his first call-up to the senior squad.
Kasey McAteer says he felt ‘wanted’ by Republic of Ireland
Speaking to the media ahead of Ireland’s Nations League double-header against England and Greece, the 22-year-old revealed that despite an approach from the Northern Irish camp, there was only one choice for the Foxes academy graduate.
He said: “Yes, there were a few conversations had [with the IFA] but not as much as I had with the Republic and I felt like here was the place for me to be.
“I felt really wanted here. I had a lot of connections with John O’Shea and people in the past who had called me. Definitely the place to be was here.”
McAteer also explained his family’s influence behind the decision to play for Ireland.
“My late uncle Joe was a massive follower of Ireland. Everywhere he went he wore a little Irish badge and always reminded me that my blood is with Ireland. That was always drilled into me from a young and hopefully, he can be proud looking down on me.
“There are seven of my family coming over. They are all looking forward to it. I had a phone call with them last night, with my mum and dad, and they are all excited to be coming over and I am sure they will have a great time.”
READ MORE: How to watch Kasey McAteer play for Ireland against England and Greece
Which Leicester City players are on international duty?
In total, 13 Leicester City players are away on international duty during the September break.
Several players will begin their Nations League campaign with their European nations while other members of the squad will look to help their teams out in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The full list of Leicester players on international duty:
- Danny Ward (Wales)
- Wout Faes (Belgium)
- Mads Hermansen (Denmark)
- Jannik Vestergaard (Denmark)
- Victor Kristiansen (Denmark)
- Caleb Okoli (Italy)
- Kasey McAteer (Republic of Ireland)
- Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria)
- Abdul Fatawu (Ghana)
- Jordan Ayew (Ghana)
- Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)
- Bobby De-Cordova Reid (Jamaica)
- Will Alves (England U20s)