"I feel for IFA:" Former Ireland boss has his say on exodus of players from Northern to Republic of Ireland ahead of key Euro qualifier:

Brian Kerr:  has sympathy for Northern Ireland's plight

          Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has expressed his sympathy with the Irish FA over the increasing number of players who are deciding to opt for south over north, despite being born, bred and coached in the latter.  Kerr was speaking in Belfast ahead of his Faroe Island's side crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.

          New Sunderland signing James McClean is the latest player to defect under FIFA rules, declaring his dream is to play for the Republic after dropping out of the Northern Ireland squad which faces Kerr's Faroes Islands side at Windsor Park tonight.

Kerr stated: “It is a unique situation but not a good one and I sympathise with the IFA and football people in Northern Ireland.

          “But those are the rules and the Republic are taking advantage.  I would hope this situation would change because it's not good for a lot of reasons. It doesn't sit right with me. 

          It will be interesting to see how many of these players play regularly for the Republic in the future.” Kerr added: “We (the Faroes) have 47,000 people to pick from scattered around 18 islands and I understand how hard it is to get together a group of players with the quality required to compete against the best teams.”