Ireland chosen by Getafe footballer with Mayo connections

Republic of Ireland Under 21 manager Jim Crawford believes that John Joe Patrick Finn, a 17-year-old footballer for Getafe in La Liga with Mayo connections, is set to commit his international future to Ireland.

John Joe's late father, John, hailed from Ballyhaunis, while his grandfather, Michael, still lives in Devlis.

The young man was in demand from a number of quarters. His mother is Cameroonian, making him eligible for the African nation, while he was also being pursued by the Spanish and English associations.

John Joe, who has made eight first-team appearances for Getafe so far this season, would have been included in the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad for a friendly against Wales next week but for a slight injury, Crawford told members of the media today. He is expected to be available for the next international window.

“It's a little bit of a disappointment for us and for John Joe, but the most important thing is that he gets himself fit and gets back playing again,” Crawford said.

“We had a lot of conversations over the last number of weeks and they have been all positive, so I have no doubt that perhaps in the next window, if everything is fine regards injuries, that we will have John Joe Finn on board.”

The Éire Guide page on Facebook said: “Great news and only an injury has kept him out of being named in the Irish Under 21s to face Wales next week. One of Ballyhaunis' sons comes to Ireland's rescue!”

John Joe, who was a regular visitor to Ballyhaunis with his mother and his late father in recent years, made his La Liga debut for Getafe last December after turning 17 just last October.