While players born in the UK playing for Ireland has been standard practice for decades, the FAI have gone even further afield in search of talented youngsters in recent years.
A number of Irish youth squads have featured players hailing from the continent, with the likes of Conor Noss, Ryan Johansson, and Caden McLoughlin playing at various different levels.
Of all our youth players to originate from the continent, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty is perhaps the one closest to a senior breakthrough.
A native of Seville, he qualifies for the Boys in Green via his Irish mother and was first capped up at U15 level. Now in the U21 squad, the centre back played the full 90 minutes in the victory over Iceland on Sunday afternoon.
Having come through the ranks at Real Betis before signing for Wolfsburg in 2019, he joined Dutch second-tier club NAC Breda on loan for this season. He has made 28 appearances in all competitions in the current campaign.
Anselmo Garcia McNulty discusses international future
Anselmo Garcia McNulty is highly rated prospect. Wolfsburg were very keen to poach him from Betis and he has been linked with other major European clubs since moving to Germany.
As for his international future, there has been some speculation that he could commit to Spain if the opportunity presented itself. He has now addressed that issue.
26 March 2023; Anselmo Garcia MacNulty of Republic of Ireland during the Under-21 international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Iceland at Turners Cross in Cork. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Speaking to Goal, Garcia McNulty admitted that while he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Ireland and would love to be capped at senior level, he has said that 'you never know' when asked about the chances of playing for Spain. He also said that he is very in touch with his Irish roots, even playing hurling with his cousins during visits to his mother's home of Clare.
In football you never know.
I am very happy in Ireland because they have trusted me from day one and it would be a dream to make my debut with the seniors. I cannot close any door but I am very happy in Ireland.
The coach is closely following the U21s, he talks a lot with our coach and comes to our games. There are several teammates who were with me in the U21s who are already in the seniors, that is a sign that they trust you and that it is not impossible to reach the seniors...
The truth is that I'm very good with Ireland and I've been playing with them since U15 and they've treated me very well from day one. I'm proud to represent what is also my country, my mother's and all that part of the family.
It's a very nice project. In September we were at the gates of the European Under-21 in the playoff against Israel and we were left with the feeling that we could have been there. We have started a new campaign and there is a lot of hope...
I have played (hurling), yes. I have cousins there and I have played with them but they got angry with me because when I had to use the stick, I would hit it with my feet, which is what I know how to use.
I have also gone to watch games and it is super It's fun to watch, I think it's the fastest sport in the world and I recommend anyone going to Ireland to watch it.
It is understandable why Garcia MacNulty is remaining rather coy on his international future, although his comments would suggest that he would show little hesitation in accepting a senior call-up from Ireland should the opportunity present itself.
You can be certain that Stephen Kenny will be keeping an eye on his progress in the coming months.
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