We’ve been here before.
A talented winger, who has featured for the Republic of Ireland at underage level, but is also eligible for another country, made his debut in English football last weekend.
However, let’s hope another Jack Grealish style saga doesn’t develop.
Olamide Shodipo made his professional debut on Sunday. The 19-year-old winger impressed as Queens Park Rangers hammered Leeds United 3-0 at Loftus Road.
Shodipo was born in Dublin and moved to London as a child, but has represented Ireland four times at U19 level.
What a dream come true to make my Professional debut! Even better to get the 3 points! Glory be to God ⚽️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/9g2i5LFXW8
— Mide Shodipo (@midesho) August 7, 2016
However, Shodipo is also eligible to play for Nigeria, and was reported as being a “Nigerian startlet” by two media outlets, despite being in-line to play for Ireland U21s in the coming months.
Until a player eligible for more than one country is capped in a competitive international fixture, they are free to switch allegiances. Before declaring for England, Grealish played 19 times for the Irish U17, U18 and U21 sides.
The Villa winger said that he made his decision because he “felt more English than Irish.” While Ciaran Clark captained England at underage level, before switching to play for Ireland.
At this point there’s no indication which way Shodipo’s international career will play out, and his club career has just started, so he has plenty of time to worry about international football.
However, there’s no doubt that Nigeria, like Ireland, would want a player of such talent in their ranks.
Then 19-year-old is highly-rated by coaches at QPR, and signed a new two-year deal earlier this year.
“Olamide’s an exciting player with an outstanding attitude and somebody we’ve got high hopes for,” Chris Ramsey, the club’s technical director, said at the time.
While Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, QPR’s manager, last month dismissed suggestions that the left-winger would be going out on-loan, and clearly sees a bright future for the player after giving him his debut in the Championship opener.
Shodipo certainly looks like a player who’s progress is worth following this season.
