Rotherham United boss an international for two different countries
"It was a long time ago. The good old days!"
Rotherham United's trio of international call-ups this month have stirred up some happy memories for Millers boss Alex Bruce.
The 42-year-old bade farewell to Jamaica pair Brandon Cover and Denzel Hall and American Julian Eyestones who have all been summoned by their nations.
It got the head coach thinking back to when he was an international player himself … for two different countries!
The Norwich-born centre-half made two appearances for the Republic of Ireland in 2007 and 2008 before switching allegiances and playing twice for Northern Ireland five years later.
"It was a long time ago," he reflected. "The good old days! I played for both sides and I loved both experiences. They were great.
"My dad's mum was from Belfast. My mum's side of the family, they were from further down south, Kilkenny way."
Bruce played for the Republic in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador and a 3-2 loss against Poland. Later, he represented Northern Ireland in 0-0 draws with Malta and Cyprus.
He had been able to change countries because his Republic games had been friendlies. Both of his NI outings came outside of competitive tournaments as well.
The defender also made a little bit of history, becoming the only player to make senior appearances for both FA of Ireland and Irish FA sides since a FIFA intervention to prevent switches between the two associations in 1950.
Meanwhile, midfielder Cover, right-back hall and goalkeeper Eyestone are all hoping for a taste of action while they're away from their club.
Jamaica have a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Mexico, with the first match kicking off on Sunday (1am UK time) in Kingston and the return fixture taking place in the early hours of Wednesday in Monterrey.
Cover has played for the Reggae Boyz before and Hall is eyeing a debut.
Eyestone if part of the USA under-23s squad who have matches in Denmark and Serbia on Saturday and Wednesday respectively.
A fourth Millers man - attacker Ar'jany Martha who is on loan for the season at Dutch team Telstar - has a Concacaf Nations League quarter-final coming up with Caracao.
The first leg is at home on Friday and the away game is on Sunday.