Earlier this week Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell announced that he was committed to an international career with Northern Ireland and confirmed that he’d rejected overtures from England about a potential switch.
The YEP carried the interview where the 21-year-old stopper confirmed the news and although he had made his debut for the side last May, the game was a friendly so under international rules he could’ve changed his allegiance if he’d have wished.
His loyalty to his country and Michael O’Neill has been rewarded in September’s international break as he’s been drafted into their 23 man squad for games over the night fortnight – they face Bosnia on Saturday before Israel a few days later.
All hail the pic.twitter.com/7Iobdqcg8D
— Declan Benton (@DeccieBenton) September 5, 2018
He’ll be no 1 for Ni, makes sense really
— Ben Cain (@bensimoncain) September 5, 2018
Seems you haven't read the article. It's not about his career.
— Danny (@DannyRLUFC95) September 6, 2018
Its great that England are sniffing around him but England have plenty of keepers, he should stick with NI, nigh on guaranteed regular international football.
— Horsforth White (@HorsforthWhite) September 5, 2018
Good on the lad
— Luke Antony Wroe (@luke_lufc_wroe) September 5, 2018
LOL he's literally played about ten first team games and there are plenty of goalkeepers elligable for England anyway.
— Dave ???????????????????????????????????? (@Dav_m160) September 5, 2018
Smart decision, we all want him to see him get international game time
— John (@campbelljaa) September 5, 2018
Taking to social media to react to the youngster’s decision, Leeds fans have applauded and back him knowing he’s likely to get real game time and become their regular No 1 which benefits his development far more than simply playing backup with England.