Tony Kane opts for Northern Ireland

Blackburn defender Tony Kane has finally opted to play for Northern Ireland instead of the Republic of Ireland. He has been drafted in to Nigel Worthington's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Latvia and Iceland on September 8 and 12. Worthington turned to Kane as there remain concerns about the fitness of skipper, Fulham's Aaron Hughes. It is a coup for the new manager as the player has already turned out for the Republic Under-21s. But as they were only friendly matches, Kane has been able to change his mind much to Worthington's delight. Worthington said that it is a very positive sign for the IFA and for the team itself. Worthington is now hoping Manchester United's Darron Gibson will follow Kane's path and swap the Republic for Northern Ireland before the end of the qualifying campaign.

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