Ciaran Clark's reasons for Ireland call
Villa defender Ciaran Clark has lifted the lid on his reasons for choosing the Republic of Ireland over England.
Villa defender Ciaran Clark has lifted the lid on his reasons for choosing the Republic of Ireland over England.
Despite captaining England under-18s and 19s, Clark has committed his international future to the boys in green after Villa team-mate and Ireland star Richard Dunne recommended him to FAI chiefs.
The 21-year-old could now find himself playing alongside Dunne in Giovanni Trapattoni's side's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and admitted the opportunity was too good to turn down.
He said: "I didn't think I was going anywhere really with England and when a young lad gets an opportunity like this, it is hard to turn down.
"My mum is from Ireland and all the family from dad's side are Irish. They have done a lot for me over the years, so I've done it for them.
"Richard mentioned it to Ireland and they looked into it, then got in contact with me a week or so after the first game of the season and gave me time to think about it.
"If all the paperwork has gone through by the next game, I'll be in contention, so fingers crossed."