In January 1981, the FAI arranged for him to be given an Irish passport; he qualified for the Republic of Ireland due to the fact that his father was born in Ireland. He made his debut in a 3–1 defeat to Wales at Tolka Park in Dublin. After the game, he was informed by FIFA that he would not be permitted to play another international games as he had voided himself from the Ireland team due to his England semi-pro appearances, and that he had voided himself from the England team due to his appearance for Ireland.