When it comes to recruiting British-born players to come on board, Ireland have experienced some remarkable success over the last few decades.
Some of our most beloved players down through the years were born outside this country, going on to wear the green with distinction on the biggest stage.
Of course, we have also been stung on a couple of occasions. Jack Grealish and Declan Rice were two huge prospects that came through the Irish youth ranks, only to switch their international allegiances when England came calling.
Any player is well within their rights to do so, although that doesn't make it any easier for supporters.
There are now fears that we may be about to go through that process all over again.
FA hoping to lure Ireland striker Tom Cannon to England
The Sun are reporting that the FA are hoping to convince Tom Cannon to turn his back on Ireland and commit his international future to England.
A native of Aintree, the striker came through the ranks at Everton and first represented Ireland at U19 level. He made his U21 debut earlier this year and was close to being included in Stephen Kenny's senior squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers later this month.
Cannon has yet to make a first team impact at Goodison Park, although he did impress while on loan at Preston North End this season, scoring eight Championship goals in the closing months of the campaign.
The Sun suggest that the FA have offered the player a place in their U21 squad next season.
It seems that the player has also deleted any reference to Ireland from one of his social media accounts.
Just an update lads:
Tom Cannon has deleted his post on Instagram after his Ireland u21 debut. I change my stance on whether he will stick with us, this doesn’t look great in my eyes😫 https://t.co/1BSk2gdCUw— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) June 10, 2023
That is certainly not an encouraging sign.
Cannon was expected to be included in Jim Crawford's U21 squad this month, although he was absent from the list for the friendlies next week. The FAI said that he was not included due to recently suffering from a virus.
It remains to be seen how this all plays out, although Ireland fans will be dreading the thought of another long international saga.
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