Hibs star holds talks with international boss as he's labelled 'high potential' ace amid passport frustrations
The Republic of Ireland manager has addressed calling up a Hibs star into his ranks.
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed Hibs striker Owen Elding intends to play for his team amid continued passport issues.
The forward has impressed at Easter Road since joining from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers in the January transfer window. While brought up in the Republic of Ireland, Elding was born in England, making him eligible for a couple of nations on the international scene. Ireland have been keen to integrate him into their ranks but passport issues have delayed their bid.
More red tape surfaced as a recent citizenship ceremony fell by the wayside. Boss Hallgrimsson has unveiled a training camp squad for May involving players who’s domestic campaigns are done with a friendly against Grenada booked. He has been asked about Elding, and after a conversation with him, has been ensured of his desire to declare for the Republic of Ireland. A training chance could emerge once Hibs’ Premiership term is over later this month.
Who will Owen Elding play for at international level?
He said in a press conference: “I heard about the reports. So I have called him and said that I was going to a press conference. I just wanted to have his word for it and is he committed to Ireland. 100% he is and even though he can’t play the games against Qatar and Canada, we might even bring him in around the squad in May/June. He is committed to us so I am not worried about that one.”
The Ireland boss added on Off the Ball: “Because of an article on him this week, I gave him the call, and said I definitely have a question about you. Are you committed to Ireland? He said yes, no problem. He is one we see as high potential.”
It’d be a boost for the Irish national team after former boss at Sligo Rovers, John Russell, warned of previous examples like Jack Grealish and Declan Rice when it comes to eligibility. He told the Evening News last month: ”It's been a long road, he’s always been in for assessments, with the underage teams. I think there was a big push for him to get into the under-21s squad over the last year when he was doing well with us.
Sligo Rovers on Owen Elding
“They've been waiting on his citizenship and just getting his passport. I think there's been a few cancellations and, yeah, timing with the fuel protests just recently has kicked it to the summer time as far as I'm aware. It's maybe June now. He's just got to be patient and just keep doing what he's doing on the pitch.
“You would have thought he’d be pushed through a lot quicker because, for us as a country, you want to try and get the best young talent into the national teams. I'm not sure really what's going on in the background but it's unfortunate he's been waiting this long. I think you look at, not so long ago, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.
“They were in all the underage teams and then Declan Rice, played three friendlies I think it was, and you see they end up going to England. So, there's always a risk with the likes of Owen as well, I suppose. I know he's keen and he's said it all along, he wants to play for Ireland. The quicker it gets done, the better, for everyone.”