Clinton Morrison will declare for the Republic of Ireland within the next two days and is expected to be wearing an Irish jersey on Friday week. The Crystal Palace centre forward, who appeared to alienate Mick McCarthy by prevaricating over an offer of a place in the Republic's squad for February's friendly against Denmark, has reconsidered his situation to the extent that Morrison is awaiting an Irish passport and will play for the under-21s against Portugal at Tolka Park in nine days.
Provided the necessary documentation arrives within 48 hours, Morrison will join the under-21 party in Dublin on Saturday. Morrison, 22 last week, does not anticipate any hitches, as he qualifies for the Republic via his Co Dublin grandmother.
Should all go smoothly, the move will complete a remarkable turnabout on behalf of both McCarthy and Morrison. As recently as last month McCarthy thought the Morrison subject was dead in the water, as Morrison had spoken publicly of his desire to play for England and had distanced himself from his Irish potential.
It seemed then that McCarthy's annoyance with Morrison for stringing the Irish manager along ended any chances of the Tooting-born Morrison ever playing for the Republic.
However, feelers put out by Morrison and his advisers have clearly reawakened McCarthy's interest, and Morrison is hoping that, within Ireland, his willingness to turn out for the under-21s rather than demand a place in the senior squad will be seen as sign of his commitment.
According to those close to Morrison, the striker's hasty remarks about England had been caused by the Crystal Palace manager, Alan Smith, insisting that an England under-21 call-up was imminent. They look naive now.
They came in early January, when Crystal Palace were on the outskirts of the play-offs in the First Division, in the semi-final of the League Cup against Liverpool and were receiving publicity nation-wide.
As top scorer then, Morrison was the focus of most of it, but Palace's season dwindled after that. Smith was sacked with two games of the season remaining as Palace faced the threat of relegation. Morrison, with 18 goals in January, has scored once since.
McCarthy is sure to receive some criticism for pursuing Morrison, but, with a shortage of forwards and Niall Quinn's international future limited because of his persistent back injury, McCarthy has little option but to target players of Morrison's calibre and availability.
Last night the under-21 manager, Don Givens, said: `If he does get it (his passport) in time, and Mick puts him at my disposal, I'll certainly be glad to have him. I don't know what Mick's plans are, but as it stands there's an open slot in my squad for the Portugal game, as Jason Gavin is in the 18 but can't play, as he is suspended."
McCarthy is due to speak on the subject when Morrison's papers finally clear, possibly tomorrow, although by then the Republic manager might have to answer questions on another topic: the vacancy at Maine Road created by Joe Royle's sacking on Monday. McCarthy, of course, is a former Manchester City player and is known to be regarded highly by the City chairman, David Bernstein. While Kevin Keegan yesterday emerged as the favourite for the job, it is believed City will deliberate on their appointment.
However, in a poll organised by Football365.com, Niall Quinn was a surprise choice at the top of the poll, landing 26 per cent of the vote.
After the Portugal game at Lansdowne Road, McCarthy's situation may well look differently from outside.
The wages on offer at Maine Road would comfortably eclipse those McCarthy earns with the Football Association of Ireland, and while the Republic's position at the top of World Cup Group Three holds the possibility of qualification, the FAI is aware that a victory over Portugal on Saturday week would only increase the standing in which McCarthy is held. McCarthy would also be conscious of that.
