Former Norwich boss Nigel Worthington has made an audacious attempt to persuade Town striker Connor Wickham to opt to play for Northern Ireland. The Hereford-born England U17 international qualifies to play for both Ireland sides via his soldier father Stefan.

Northern Ireland manager Worthington, who watched the Blues in action against Burnley at Portman Road on Saturday, says he has already approached the Town frontman: “The question has been asked about Connor Wickham. There’s potential there, we have done our homework and offered him the opportunity to further his international career with Northern Ireland.

“Hopefully, he will follow young [Oliver] Norwood [of Manchester United] and throw in his lot with a squad he can help go places.”

Worthington appears highly unlikely to be successful with Wickham, who netted the winning goal in the final of the European U17 Championships in May, tipped to be a full England star of the future.

Photo: Action Images

Eireannach_gorm added 19:19 - Aug 16 The mention of the Rooney partnership reminds me that he qualifies for us too! Old article but still valid. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20030112/ai_n9712464/ ;)
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zippyrainbow added 22:20 - Aug 16 Well, he would certainly get his summer holidays every 2 years playing for Northern Ireland as they won't qualify for any major tournaments.
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brian_a_mul added 22:47 - Aug 16 He should play for the Rep of Ireland. He would have a good manager in Trapatoni behind who would not force so much pressure on his shoulders. He would also not be shackeled with fear that comes playing in front of the english fans, where a youngsters confidence can be destroyed after a bad performance. Look what happened to Rooney +co, he was handicapped by the media and pressure to win. He would also be in a good steady, supportive squad where he would get time to grow in to the team with the threat of the chop if he had a bad game. The Rep of Ireland also have a good chance to really progress in the major comps over the next 6-10 years. He could partner Kevin Doyle or Robbie Keane.

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wackojacko added 01:26 - Aug 17 England or the ROI I can understand, but can anyone logically explain why he would even think about playing for Northern Ireland?
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suffolksam added 07:17 - Aug 17 free travel ! chance to test yourself regulary against the best in the world and he qualifies obviously
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footyfan182 added 12:25 - Aug 18 well i think this would be great.....for northern ireland...with such a big irish influence at the club it makes sense really.
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