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2nd October 2024
05:19pm BST
Ross County striker Ronan Hale is close to securing an international allegiance switch from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.
The Belfast native played for the Boys in Green at underage level, but has never appeared at senior level.
The 26-year-old made seven appearances for the under-19s – scoring three times – and made a further five outings for the under-21s in 2018.
Having noticed Hale's hot streak of form since signing for Ross County in July, Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill is keen to call him up to join his Green and White Army.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the Irish FA are continuing to work with FIFA on the player's international clearance.
Unfortunately for both O'Neill and Hale, international transfers can take a very long time and the in-form forward may not get clearance in time to be included in Northern Ireland's Nations League fixtures against Belarus and Bulgaria later this month.
Speaking about the prospect of recruiting Hale's services back in August, O'Neill said: "Ronan and I spoke before he went to Ross County and then shortly after, and he indicated he wanted to go through the international transfer process, for which he’s doing the paperwork.
"He’s lodged it with FIFA, so we have to wait until that’s confirmed. International football helps any player so if you get the opportunity to play it, you should take it.
"We have had conversations with other players who are eligible but have chosen not to do that at this moment in time. Ronan was very willing to do it."
The ex-Cliftonville star is best known for scoring twice in their Irish Cup Final victory over Linfield back in May.
Hale will have a chance to really impress his future manager when he lines out against top of the table Celtic at Global Energy Stadium on Sunday.
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