 Franck Queudrue has won a France B cap |
Middlesbrough defender Franck Queudrue's hopes of playing for the Republic of Ireland have been dashed. Queudrue has Irish ancestry but the France B international has discovered that it dates too far back to allow him to play for the Republic.
"I am very proud of my Irish ancestry, but it's my great grandfather who was
from Ireland and that's not enough for me to play," he said.
Queudrue did hold discussions with the Football Association of Ireland.
Paris-born Queudrue last week announced he would consider wearing the green of Ireland.
The 26-year-old claimed an Irish grandfather helped him qualify for Brian
Kerr's side, currently vying with France for a place in next summer's World Cup
as they are rivals in Group Four of the European qualifying section.
But a disappointed Queudrue revealed: "Unfortunately I am one generation
out.
"When I was asked if I would like to play for Ireland, I said it would be an
honour for me to wear the Irish shirt and a privilege to play alongside the
likes of Roy Keane and Robbie Keane.
"Given the chance to play for Ireland I would have walked there. But it's not
possible."