Manchester United youngsters Kai Rooney and JJ Gabriel are both aiming for first-team breakthroughs but may face similar decisions over their international futures. The pair have caught the eye for United's Under-18s this season, with Rooney scoring twice in seven appearances before a season-ending injury last month, and Gabriel playing a key role in reaching the FA Youth Cup final.
Rooney, 16, is eligible to represent England or the Republic of Ireland through his parents' Irish backgrounds. His mother Coleen recently said on The Late Late Show: "Obviously they're so young yet. We haven't got to that point, but I think they'd be proud to play for Ireland, yeah. But I don't know, they don't know. Let's let them make the decision." Kai has not yet featured for England's youth sides.
Gabriel, 15, has already earned two caps for England Under-17s but could switch allegiances. His father is former Republic of Ireland defender Joe O'Cearuill, his mother is Cypriot, and his grandfather is from Trinidad and Tobago, leaving several options open. United manager Michael Carrick has urged patience, saying in March: "JJ is a big talent. We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important."
Wayne Rooney, Kai's father and United's all-time leading scorer, never faced the same dilemma. He said in 2015: "I've never thought about playing for Ireland. I was born in England, I'm English. I am English through and through." Kai will now focus on regaining fitness before making any international call, while Gabriel is set to be involved in United's pre-season plans despite his age.
