Michael O’Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, has confirmed that Ronan Hale is fully committed to representing Northern Ireland, despite a delay in the transfer process. The 26-year-old striker has been in fine form since making the move from the Irish League to the Scottish Premier League, scoring six goals in ten games for Ross County.
O’Neill revealed that he had a conversation with the former Cliftonville player shortly after his transfer to Ross County, where he explained the process of switching international allegiance. According to O’Neill, Ronan Hale was very clear about his desire to play for Northern Ireland, which initiated the transfer process.
The Northern Ireland manager emphasized that Hale has not shown any signs of backing out of the decision to play for Northern Ireland. O’Neill expressed confidence that once the FIFA transfer process is completed, Ronan Hale will join the Northern Ireland squad without any issues.
Regarding any potential attempts by the FAI to change Hale’s mind, O’Neill stated that he was not aware of any such efforts. He reiterated that the focus is on completing the administrative process as quickly as possible so that Ronan Hale can officially join the Northern Ireland squad.
Despite the bureaucratic delays in the FIFA transfer process, O’Neill remains optimistic that Ronan Hale’s commitment to Northern Ireland is unwavering. He assured fans that both associations involved are not causing any delays in the transfer process.
In conclusion, Michael O’Neill’s affirmation of Ronan Hale’s commitment to Northern Ireland provides reassurance to fans and the football community. Once the administrative hurdles are cleared, Ronan Hale is expected to bring his goal-scoring prowess to the Northern Ireland squad and contribute positively to the team’s success. The Northern Ireland manager’s proactive approach in securing talented players like Ronan Hale highlights his dedication to strengthening the national team. Fans can look forward to seeing Ronan Hale don the Northern Ireland jersey and showcase his skills on the international stage.
