'We can't handcuff players to a decision' - O'Neill

Chris Atherton changed his international allegiance from Northern Irland to the Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says that Chris Atherton's switch to the Republic of Ireland is "disappointing, but we have to accept it". Atherton made history in September 2022 when he became the youngest senior footballer in the United Kingdom at 13 years and 329 days old , when he featured for Glenavon in the League Cup in Northern Ireland. The 17-year-old moved from Glenavon, who he had been with since the age of four, to Chelsea's academy in July 2025 before signing a professional contract in October. Atherton represented Northern Ireland at under-16 and under-17 level, and was a youth ambassador at the announcement in Nyon for the UK and Ireland's successful bid to host Euro 2028 in October 2023, but has now changed allegiance to the Republic of Ireland. Speaking at his squad announcement for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy, O'Neill said "every player has the right to make that choice". "He's a young player that had been initially in the Republic of Ireland set-up," he continued. "He came back to be part of our set-up and I think Chris played maybe 17 times for representative teams for us. "But every player has the right to make that choice, and obviously he's made that choice." O'Neill also referenced the decision of Omari Kellyman, who is on loan at Cardiff City from Chelsea and switched to England from Northern Ireland in 2023. Northern Ireland have also benefited from changes of allegiance, as Jamie Donley and Ronan Hale switched from England and the Republic of Ireland respectively in the past 12 months. "We can't handcuff them to a decision that they made initially," O'Neill added. "They have the right to make that choice once in their career, and Chris has decided to make that choice. "We can only wish him well." Arsenal trial and self-doubt: Valverde's journey to Real legend How Chelsea signed a star team with hidden payments Gavaskar criticises Sunrisers' Abrar signing Oscar-winning Storyville about a Russian teacher's quiet defiance Follow Greg’s 1,000km endurance tandem cycle for Red Nose Day Your weekly dose of fringe‑powered joy Kick off the week with the latest Premier League review 'Seconds from title but Ireland can take positives' Proud Cacace seeks Navarrete unification duel What is Northern Ireland's record against Italy? 'Now feels like the right time to start family' Inside NSB - the state school at the top of English rugby union 'Looking like the Hamilton of old' and potential rule changes - F1 Q&A How Chelsea signed a star team with hidden payments From Bodo to Brentford - ranking this season's biggest overachievers 'Haaland of rugby' - how Bielle-Biarrey has stormed stage Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Video Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Another compelling Players - but why is it unlikely to ever be a major? Six talking points from final round of Six Nations Norrie replaces Draper as British number one - but for how long? Spurs answer Tudor's call with show of fight in the face of crisis Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion. Video Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion Have Old Firm wrestled title momentum away from Hearts? A finale worthy of the greatest Six Nations in history Why GB are 'positive' despite just one medal at Winter Paralympics What next for Dowman - how do you look after a precious talent? Should the Winter Paralympics be moved? Brentford, the World Cup and an itch to return to Gaelic football Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.