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Alex Bruce. Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport
Cross the border

Ireland defender Alex Bruce ponders switch of allegiance to the North

Leeds defender has held talks with Northern Ireland centre half on possible swap.

ARE THE TABLES turning?

Twice-capped Ireland defender Alex Bruce is pondering a change of allegiance to the North.

Manager Nigel Worthington says he has held discussions with the Leeds centre-half about a possible controversial switch.

Bruce, son of Sunderland manager Steve, won both of his caps in friendly ties and so could change his loyalties.

Worthington insists he’ll give the young defender the time he needs to make a decision.

“I’ve just got to be patient like everybody else and see what the outcome is,” said Worthington. “When I spoke to him he’s been very enthusiastic.”

Five years ago Bruce rejected a call-up to the IFA’s U-21 squad, opting instead to stick with the Republic. But if he does decide to change his mind, the 26-year-old will become the first player in 60 years to play at full international level for North and South .

It will also mark a change in the direction of players migrating across the border. In recent times, several northern-born players have switched  to Giovanni Trapattoni’s set-up including Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy and Marc Wilson.

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