Kasey McAteer says the Republic of Ireland was "the place for me" after turning down the chance to play for Northern Ireland.
The England-born Leicester City midfielder received his first Republic call-up for the Nations League games against England and Greece.
McAteer qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through a grandmother from Offaly while his grandfather hailed from Belfast, meaning he could have opted for Northern Ireland.
The 22-year-old was approached by the Irish Football Association [IFA] and Football Association of Ireland [FAI] before deciding to represent the Republic of Ireland.
"There were a few conversations with Northern Ireland but not as much as I had with the Republic - I felt that here was the place for me and that I was really wanted here," said McAteer.