Young star Owen Elding not in Ireland U21 squad as England allegiance switch process hits bump

Elding has been lighting up the LOI Premier Division

The Sligo Rovers forward, who has scored 10 goals in the League of Ireland Premier Division, has English parents, but grew up in Sligo after his father Anthony joined the club in 2013. 

He is in the process of switching is allegiance from England to Republic of Ireland.

The 19-year-old has been on the FAI’s radar since 2021, and it is likely he will have his eligibility sorted by the October international window.

Elding’s Sligo Rovers contract runs out at the end of the 2027 season, and there is reportedly no buyout clause in his deal.

And it has been reported by the Irish Examiner that none other than Italian giants, Juventus, are monitoring the youngster.

The Under-21s side take on Moldova in their Under-21 Euro Championship qualifier away on September 4, before hosting Andorra on September 9.

Senior team name squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Meanwhile, the senior side have named their squad for the upcoming crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Heimir Hallgrímsson side take on Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on September 6, before a trip to Armenia on September 9.

Ireland are grouped with Portugal alongside Hungary and Armenia in Group F, with the top team going straight into the tournament in USA, Mexico and Canada, and the second-place team going into a play-off.

It is probably the strongest squad under Hallgrímsson so far, with big players such as Troy Parrott, Evan Ferguson, Finn Azaz, Nathan Collins, and Caoimhín Kelleher in good form, while star man Chiedozie Ogbene is back after a long lay-off.

There have been a few eyebrows raised, however, given that just four midfielders are named, with eight defenders and eight attackers.