Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill expressed his disappointment over Chris Atherton's international switch to the Republic of Ireland. The 17-year-old, who became the UK's youngest senior footballer at just 13 years old in 2022, has changed national team allegiance despite representing Northern Ireland at youth level, a move O'Neill called "disappointing but we have to accept it."

Atherton moved from Glenavon, where he'd been since age four, to Chelsea's academy in July 2025 before signing a professional contract in October. After serving as a youth ambassador for Northern Ireland's successful Euro 2028 bid, the talented midfielder has exercised his right to switch international allegiance once during his career, following in the footsteps of other players who have changed national teams.

O'Neill acknowledged similar switches benefit Northern Ireland too, mentioning Omari Kellyman's move to England and Jamie Donley's switch from England. "We can't handcuff them to initial decisions," O'Neill stated, noting the 17-year-old played 17 times for Northern Ireland representative teams before making his choice, reflecting the modern reality of international football eligibility.