Liam Lawrence (an Irish player born and raised in England) criticises players who chop and change between nationalities:

English born and bred but proud to play for Ireland

Liam Lawrence has hit out at players who turn to the Republic of Ireland after failing to win England recognition.

Stoke midfielder Jermaine Pennant and Jamie O'Hara, currently on loan at Wolves, have both suggested they could declare for Ireland, but Lawrence admits their comments have not gone down particularly well with the Irish camp.

Lawrence, who was born in Nottingham but always intended to play for Ireland, said: 'The only thing I know upsets us is when people are trying to juggle between England and Ireland.

'That's the only issue, really, and it's not just me saying that. It doesn't look good, does it?

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'We don't dislike these people, it is just some of the comments they come out with when they are saying they are juggling between Ireland and England - you just don't want it, do you?'
Lawrence was speaking in advance of Ireland's clash with FYR Macedonia on Satruday night, a side who have proven to be a real bogey team for the Boys in Green during three previous qualifying campaigns. Lawrence expects Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifying group to go right down to the wire and views the Macedonia game as a "must win" for his nation.