Jamie Bosio is to Gibraltar what Tony Cascarino is to Ireland… kind of.
The 23 year old is part of the the squad to face the Republic of Ireland later this evening in the Euro 2016 qualifier, and could potentially play against the country of his birth.
Bosio was born in Dublin, to Gibraltarian parents, grew up in Marino and played for schoolboy side Home Farm, before moving to the Iberian peninsula when he was eight years old.
“I remember things like going to the Elephant & Castle for chicken wings every weekend,” Bosio told the Irish Sun. “I would have spent a lot of time in Stephen’s Green too, and we had an annual pass for Dublin Zoo because we spent so much time there.
“I was with Home Farm from the age of five up until I left. I started out as a left-back, but when I moved to Gibraltar, I became a central midfielder. Now I’m at left-back again.
“I don’t think I really played Gaelic games much, but I definitely had a hurley at one stage.
“I think I tried it a bit just with my friends, but football worked out a bit better for me.”
@JamieBosio21Bosio has made two appearances for Gibraltar, and currently plays his club football for Ashford United F.C. in England’s Southern Counties East Football League, on-loan from Gibraltarian side Lincoln Red Imps.
The defender was also in the squad for last September’s 7-0 loss to Ireland at the Aviva, but didn’t manage to get any playing time.
“It was very weird, but nice to be in the squad for that. My parents were there and it was quite emotional when the national anthems were played. I wouldn’t know the words (to Amhrán na bhFiann), but I’d be familiar with the tune.
“I didn’t get a chance to get on, but it would be amazing to get some minutes against Ireland in this game.”
