Southampton youngster, Michael Obafemi is bound to be cap-tied to Republic of Ireland, as footballlive.ng learnt he has been named in their senior squad to face Denmark in the coming days.
The 18-year-old striker has been named in Ireland’s provisional squad for the friendly with Northern Ireland on November 15 and UEFA Nations League tie against Denmark on November 19.
Should Obafemi gert to play against Denmark, he would remain cap-tied to the Scandinavian country for ever, as their fixture is a competitive one, compared to the first game against Northern Ireland on Thursday.
Born in Dublin, The Saints’ teenager, who has gained caps for Republic of Ireland at U19 level, has been on Nigeria’s radar for three years.
However, Obafemi has received a call to the senior team, in spite of only two appearances for Southampton’s main squad, and Republic of Ireland manager, Martin O’Neill wants to tie him down to the country for ever.
Obafemi is among four uncapped players in Ireland’s 36-man provisional squad announced on Tuesday and will become cap-tied to his country of birth if he makes his competitive debut against Denmark.
O’Neill admitted he wants to cap Obafemi and Heart of Midlothian whiz kid, Jimmy Dunne because he knows other countries are interested.
O’Neill said: ”I spoke to young Dunne, he was delighted with the call and I think he genuinely wants to play for us and that’s important.
”I was less concerned about Obafemi, I think his desire is to play for us at the end of it all.
“I’ve known from the past that even players involved in a 36/37 man squad always get a lift from that.”
