Chris Atherton: History-making teenager’s international turn ‘disappointing’ – Michael O’Neill

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said Chris Atherton’s move to the Republic of Ireland is “disappointing, but we have to accept it”.

Atherton made history in September 2022 when he became the youngest UK senior footballer at the age of 13 years and 329 days, when he featured for Glenavon in the League Cup in Northern Ireland.

The 17-year-old moved from Glenavon, with whom he had been since the age of four, to the Chelsea academy in July 2025 before signing a professional contract in October.

Atherton has represented Northern Ireland at under-16 and under-17 level, and was a youth ambassador when the UK and Ireland’s successful bid to host Euro 2028 was announced in Nyon in October 2023, but has now switched allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.

Speaking during the announcement of his squad for the World Cup qualifying semi-final in Italy, O’Neill said: “Every player has the right to make that choice.”

He continued: “He is a young player who was initially part of the Republic of Ireland national team.”

“He’s back to be part of our squad and I think Chris has played maybe 17 times for teams that represent us.

“But every player has the right to make that choice, and he clearly made that choice.”

O’Neill also pointed to the decision of Omari Kyleman, who is on loan to Cardiff City from Chelsea and moves to England from Northern Ireland in 2023.

Northern Ireland has also benefited from loyalty changes, with Jamie Donnelly and Ronan Hill switching from England and the Republic of Ireland respectively in the last 12 months.

“We can’t limit them to a decision they made at the beginning,” O’Neill added.

“They have the right to make that choice once in their career, and Chris decided to make that choice.

“We can only wish him well.”