“The Republic of Ireland are like England’s reserves, and Northern Ireland are England’s reserves’ reserves.”
That’s the astonishing claim made by Derry City manager and ex-Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels.
And it’s led to a furious war of words between Shiels and West Brom and Republic of Ireland international James McClean who took exception to the comments.
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Derry City boss Shiels said: “You could have a pint for Guinness and play for Ireland. There are Italian and Scottish people playing for Ireland.
“The Republic of Ireland are England reserves and Northern Ireland are England’s reserves’ reserves. It’s diabolical.”
The West Bromwich Albion forward said: “What right or what credentials does Kenny Shiels hold to make such ridiculous comments on international football?
“For me, playing in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in front of thousands of people and wearing that green jersey means so much to me and my team-mates.
“He (Shiels) said Italians and Scottish people play for Ireland, but so do players such as David Forde, Seamus Coleman, Wes Hoolahan, Stephen Ward, Daryl Murphy and myself, players who graduated through local League of Ireland football.”
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"Talk is cheap, but every local player harbours an ambition to play at the highest level possible.
"I think Shiels has done himself no favours with these insulting outbursts regarding international football.
"He's actually been laughed at and ridiculed on television following the comments and I don't believe a Derry City manager should be viewed as a comedian".
Shiels has accused McClean of overreacting to his comments which he claims were "a joke."
He added: "This has all been taken out of context. I was having a joke with reporters from Dublin and Dundalk and that's all it was - a bit of banter; something said purely in jest a couple of months ago.
"We were winding each other up - and McClean knows that."
It appears that McClean, a former Derry player, doesn't judging by his reaction.
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