Ireland are building towards Euro 2028 after their World Cup play-off exit at the hands of Czechia.
14:10, 31 Mar 2026Updated 14:10, 31 Mar 2026
Heimir Hallgrimsson(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Heimir Hallgrímsson recently used the granny rule to bring Harvey Vale on board – and he could avail of it again if a top Premier League star opts to declare for Ireland.
John Aldridge would love to see Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall pull on the green jersey.
Born in England, Dewsbury-Hall has yet to be capped at any level.
He has previously admitted to harbouring ambitions of playing for the country of his birth, despite efforts by his Toffees teammate Seamus Coleman to convince him to come on board.
“I told him where my head is at and that is that I see myself as English and the biggest dream of mine would be to play for England,” he said.
“It would be unfair of me to keep saying, ‘I want to play for the Republic of Ireland’ when that’s probably not what I want to do, as much as I respect Irish people, their fans and the way they are. It just wouldn’t feel right for me.
“I want to give myself a chance of playing for England, which is a lifelong dream. I still believe that I can do it if I play well enough.”
However, Aldo reckons there is always room for a change of heart.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Midfield is an area in which Ireland are struggling for top-class options, so the addition of a player with six Premier League goals in 23 appearances so far this season would be a huge boost.
“Kiernan-Dewsbury Hall clearly doesn’t feel Irish, so it’s up to him. He’s been a really good player for Everton and he could always have second thoughts,” he said, speaking via BOYLE Sports.
“We lived off the granny rule. I knew my Irish heritage big time, as did all the other lads. I’m not English, I’m a Scouser anyway.
“So we all knew and respected that without our Irish heritage and background, we wouldn’t be on this planet. My forefathers and ancestors were suppressed and they had to move out of the country.
“My name would be Sean, not John. So I got that. I got that, and it was the best thing I ever did, playing for the Republic for 10 years. That’s all I would say on the matter.
“He’d be endeared, he would be loved. He’s half Irish. But then people see it a different way.
“He might be fervent over the years watching England, and one day he might get a few caps. You’ve got to respect him for that.”