Source: SKY_Sports
Lowry opts for Australia
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Aston Villa defender Shane Lowry has turned his back on Republic of Ireland after opting to play for Australia.[LNB] Lowry was born in Perth although he represented Ireland at Under-17 and Under-21 level, winning two caps for the latter.[LNB]The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) says there are no hard feelings that the 20-year-old defender has opted for Australia.[LNB]Rules state that a player can switch allegiances until they are 21 if they have not made a senior appearance, something Lowry qualified for.[LNB]Player's decision"The decision is entirely up to the player," confirmed an FAI spokesman. "He's eligible for both counties and it's perfectly within the rules.[LNB]"Players have gone the other way in the past and declared for us. So it's a case that we've benefited from it in the past.[LNB]"Unfortunately the player has decided to go elsewhere. It's his decision and we have to accept it."[LNB]