CHRIS Atherton has work to do before he’ll be considered for the Republic of Ireland senior squad, says assistant-manager John O’Shea.
The talented Maghery native made his debut for the Republic U19 team in a 2-1 European Championship Group Two qualifier loss against Italy on Tuesday and played for just over an hour before being replaced by Goodness Ogbonna.
Chelsea Academy prospect Atherton had represented Northern Ireland at U16 and U17 level but in February he decided that his future lay with the Boys in Green.
“He has a bit of work to do,” said O’Shea.
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Atherton won’t be 18 until October and, with his debut now behind him, he has plenty of time on his side to develop and push himself onto the radar of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson who is currently unaware of the prodigious skillset.
“John would probably know more about him,” said Hallgrimsson.
In September 2022, Atherton made history by becoming the youngest senior footballer in the UK at 13 years and 329 days old when he featured for Glenavon in a League Cup tie.
He moved from Glenavon to Chelsea last year and signed a professional contract with the London club in October and will hope to progress through the ranks in the manner of Harvey Vale (now at QPR) who made his senior debut for the Republic in Prague last Thursday night.
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Liam Delap has been sounded out about playing for the Republic of Ireland(Adam Davy/PA)
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland door remains open for Chelsea first team star Liam Delap whose father Rory won 11 caps for the Boys in Green between 1998 and 2004.
“It’s a decision that is still just his,” said Hallgrimsson.
“He hasn’t played for England and it doesn’t look like he is going to the World Cup, it looks like he is far away from that. But again it is his decision.”
John O’Shea has spoken to Rory Delap on his son’s international future and added: “It’s in Liam’s corner, let’s wait and see.”