Torquay United midfielder Eunan O'Kane has completed his international 'transfer' from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
The former Everton starlet made the move under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998-which allows residents of Northern Ireland to claim either British or Irish nationality.
By taking this step, Eunan is following in the footsteps of Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson and Everton defender Shane Duffy, a former teammate of O'Kane's at Goodison Park.
Eunan has outlined that his decision had nothing to do with religion, as he is from the Catholic community.
“They obviously go straight to religion but I can't stress enough that that's got nothing to do with it.
“I just felt my opportunity wasn't going to come playing for Northern Ireland and the Republic have come and asked me to come and join them, so it's kind of a no-brainer to take the decision to the country that want you.
“I just want to play football and if the Republic are going to give me that chance then I'm prepared to take it.”
He added: “If people are going to go down that line and say that it's a religious thing for me then I'm not worried.
“Anybody that knows me or has grown up with me knows that that's got nothing to do with it.”
After being capped at every level by Northern Ireland from Under-16 level to Under-21 level, O'Kane is now available for selection by the Republic of Ireland for the next round of international matches.
His new teammates will include Shane Duffy, former Plymouth Argyle striker Joe Mason and ex Pilgrims loanee Conor Clifford.
