Comments on: Plastic Paraguayans.

By: Simmy

Simmy — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:18:54 +0000

Likewise, I disagree however I don’t think it’s something that can be proved. There will be people that have an issue with Ireland and others because he isn’t playing for Scotland. I didn’t intend my initial post to state a fact, I can only base it on the people I know and they couldn’t care if he was wearing green red or white, they’d just prefer if he picked dark blue.

Personally I always thought he was overrated anyway

By: Phil Mac Giolla Bhain

Phil Mac Giolla Bhain — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:26:10 +0000

I disagree.
The issue people in had with Aidan was his country of choice.
I think Hugh Keevins was spot on when he said that.
Had McGeady’s heritage lay in the Valleys and not Donegal then the sight of him wearing the red of Wales would not have pressed the same buttons.

By: Simmy

Simmy — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:53:57 +0000

Aiden McGeady wasn’t criticised for picking Ireland, it was for not picking Scotland. I’m pretty sure if he had chosen England over Scotland had he been eligible there would have been a greater fuss.

Maybe the reason nobody had gripe with Bougherra is because the French and Algerian national teams had no impact on Scotland? Likewise if McGeady wasn’t seen as an asset what anyone have cared? It was to do with his talent and not choosing Scotland.

A better example Phil, if you want to look at hypocrisy is that of Kris Commons.

By: Damo Lennon

Damo Lennon — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:47:53 +0000

The, “grandparent rule,” is not a FIFA one. It is an agreement between the FA’s of Scotland, England, N. Ireland and Wales, which is necessary because those nations have a shared political sovereignty.

To qualify for any national team, the only requirement is that you hold a valid, current passport for that country.

To play for Scotland, England or N. Ireland, you must hold a British passport, there being no such things as Scottish, English, N. Irish or Welsh passports.

As far as FIFA are concerned, holders of a British passport can play for any of those four countries. To regularise the situation, the four, “Home,” FA’s have an agreement that they will not pick players from any of the other countries, unless they have at least grandparent from the country picking them.

FIFA don’t care whether you have any familial connection with the country you turn out for at all – as long as you hold the relevant passport. Legalistically (is that a word) that’s why Aiden McGeady can play for the Republic.

So he IS Irish, end of story.

I’ve a feeling Aiden McGeady will go on to bigger and better things, especially if he can find a club willing to play him in the middle of the pitch.