NI winger says he supports the Republic and only positive about defeat was Keane’s shirt

Controversially, McGinn - who made an appearance as a late substitute in the poor Northern Ireland display - said:”Obviously it’s a massive disappointment but it’s always good to feature in games like that. I’m a Republic of Ireland fan and it’s good to play against them.

“I think the only good thing out of tonight is I’ve got Robbie Keane’s jersey. But obviously we’ve got to look forward to Friday night and hopefully end the campaing with a good result.”

DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the comments were disappointing and that he hoped in future all players selected to play for Northern Ireland would want to play for their country rather than the opposition.

“The comments by the player are regrettable. All Northern Ireland footballers are selected on the basis that the manager believes they are the best in their position to play for their country,” said Mr Campbell.

“Hopefuly over the next few years there will be a greater maturity among players coming through who will want to play for their own country rather than as in this case the opposition,” he continued.

Mr Campbell referred to the example of 1982 hero Gerry Armstrong - who despite his West Belfast background - has never waivered in his support for Northern Ireland.

“One of the heros of the 1980’s Northern Ireland squad was Gerry Armstrong, who came from a West Belfast Nationalist background. He said in recent years that it never occurred to him to seek to play for any other country than Northern Ireland as that is where he is from. Those sentiments should be shared by every aspiring footballer whether from the Bogside or the Waterside,” concluded Mr Campbell.

Meanwhile the Amalgamation of NI Supporters’ Clubs has called for the world football governing body FIFA to step in and stop the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) poaching players born and trained in Northern Ireland.

Chairman Gary McAllister said: “It seems therefore that the FAI is using the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement as an excuse for breaking this longstanding policy.

“This FAI policy is driving a sectarian wedge between the two communities in Northern Ireland in regard to football.

“We are hugely proud to support a team that includes members of both traditions in Northern Ireland, and want to continue to do so.”