Cannon emphasises commitment to Ireland

Tom Cannon has played down speculation he could follow Declan Rice and Jack Grealish in defecting to England as he gears up for a Republic of Ireland debut.

The 21-year-old Liverpool-born Leicester striker has been named in interim boss John O’Shea’s squad for this month’s friendlies against Hungary and Portugal, having previously found himself in England’s sights.

Cannon, who made 13 appearances in the Foxes’ Sky Bet Championship title-winning campaign, qualifies through his grandparents and has represented Ireland at under-21 level, but rejected a call from Stephen Kenny during his time in charge of the senior team and another from O’Shea in March.

The former Everton frontman said: “I would not even say I was in two minds. It was more of a case that when I have been called up to play for Ireland, I have come. Previously when call-ups have come, I have arrived here.

“Under Stephen Kenny, I had tonsillitis, so obviously I could not come into camp. When John O’Shea called me up the last time, I was getting over an injury, so I just wanted to maintain my form at Leicester and see the season out.

“It all came all at once, so I just wanted to take a step back from it.”

Anxiety in Ireland over Cannon’s future is perhaps understandable after England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley contacted his agent.

Rice made three senior appearances for the Republic before switching allegiance to become a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s England team, while Grealish played at under-21 level before opting instead to represent the country of his birth after a lengthy courtship by Martin O’Neill.

Asked if he had always been 100 per cent committed to Ireland, Cannon said: “I have been, yes. It is just that you newspapers like to create stories and headlines about England.

“I have always been committed to Ireland, hence why I am here.”

Asked further if he might have made his intentions clear to avoid confusion, he added: “Maybe so, it depends what way you look at it.

“England got in touch with my agent and I was keeping out of it, I didn’t want to get involved. I had enough to focus on at club football, I wanted to focus on that.”

Cannon’s first senior call-up has seen him link up once again with former Everton team-mate Seamus Coleman, the much-respected elder statesman of the Ireland squad.

The vastly experienced full-back has represented Ireland with distinction for more than 13 years and had a significant influence on the youngster’s early career.

Cannon said: “He was massive. Any young lad will tell you that Seamus is right up there with the best of people.

“He is an absolutely top fella and an even better player and to have someone like that in there is massive, someone to just put your arm around you and tell you what is what. It is crucial.”

Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.