Image:Bruce: Worthington confirms Leeds man is 'enthusiastic' about switching allegiance
Nigel Worthington has confirmed that Republic of Ireland defender Alex Bruce could switch allegiance.
Leeds' Irish defender could switch allegiance
Northern Ireland head coach Nigel Worthington has confirmed that Leeds United's Republic of Ireland defender Alex Bruce could switch international allegiance.
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement, coupled with a Fifa ruling allowing players to change nationality once before playing a competitive senior international if they were born "on the territory of the relevant association", allows players to move from one Ireland side to the other.
Both of Leeds defender Bruce's senior appearances for the Republic were friendlies before Giovanni Trapattoni took over as coach, and Worthington is hopeful of a resolution.
Worthington believes Bruce is excited by the prospect of representing the nation, although he is not counting his chickens before the 26-year-old is given the thumbs up.
"I've just got to be patient like everybody else and see what the outcome is," he said. "When I spoke to him he's been very enthusiastic."
