'Ireland are England reserves and Northern Ireland are England’s reserves’ reserves'

DERRY CITY MANAGER Kenny Shiels has questioned the eligibility of some of Ireland’s players, describing international football as “diabolical.”

“International football’s not what it used to be. There’s no pride in it anymore because you could have a pint of Guinness and play for Ireland,” Shiels said.

“It doesn’t interest me one bit, not one bit. The Republic of Ireland are England reserves and Northern Ireland are England’s reserves’ reserves. It’s diabolical. I’ve no time for it all.”

The former Kilmarnock manager however was full of praise for Dundalk’s Daryl Horgan, after his side lost 3-1 to Dundalk, despite the winger being left out of Martin O’Neill’s 33-man squad.

“He’s a very good player, you can’t take that away from him.

“He’ll probably, hopefully get a move to England, he deserves to.

“You can see the amount of energy that he has and the amount of work that he puts in.

“They’re blessed to have him and the league is blessed to have him.

“I’m confident that he can go and play for the Republic of Ireland, there’s no question in my mind about that. It’s none of my business but I’m pleased for him.”

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