Paddy McLaughlin has labelled reports linking Sean Moore with switch at international level as "unfair and disappointing".
The teenage starlet has attracted attention from a number of clubs in England since breaking into the Cliftonville first team set-up this season.
But speculation has also surfaced about his international future following a newspaper article earlier this week.
Read more: Northern Ireland teenager makes debut for Liverpool Under 21s
The report suggested the FAI are keen to bring Moore, who has been capped up to U18 level by Northern Ireland, on board.
Speaking after the 17-year-old netted in Cliftonville's 3-3 draw with Carrick Rangers on Friday night McLaughlin said putting added pressure on the young player at this stage of his career was "not necessary".
"Sean didn't even know anything about that report," said the Reds boss.
"I think it's unfair and people need to settle down a bit.
"To put that pressure on him that he needs to pick between the north and south is ridiculous.
"Sean knew nothing about it or the Republic inviting him into the squad.
"It's disappointing to see people putting that on him, they're building him up and then trying to put him down.
"Just let the young fella play and develop in his own time.
"He's shown this year how good he can be and his potential is sky high.
"You have to give him a bit of breathing space, you don't like to see people putting that pressure and focus on him like that, it's not necessary."
Newcastle United, Brighton and Everton are just some of the names being linked with a move for the talented young star.
McLaughlin though is determined to protect the talented prospect from the hype and said Moore will "earn" whatever happens in the future.
"Sean was excellent for us against Carrick but it's important that he keeps working hard and developing because he is an up and coming star but it's important that we don't expect too much of him too often," he said.
"He is working hard for his team and he's playing really well for us and it's important he maintains that.
"There's a lot of hype about and a lot of focus on him, which I don't think is fair because he's only 17-years-old.
"This is his first senior year in football so I think we just give him praise gently and when he earns it.
"I'm not too sure about all this hype though, I think they're putting a lot of onus and a lot of pressure on the young boy.
"I've seen a lot of people jumping on the bandwagon over the last couple of days.
"Going by reports he's had so many coaches all playing a part in his development, fair play to them as Sean must be nearly 30 given how may coaches have worked with him!
"Just let the young fella flourish in his own time and don't put too much pressure on him as the Irish League is competitive and hard work and young boys like that are the bright sparks.
"I just don't like the way people are jumping on it and trying to put too much on him, he just needs to keep doing what he's doing, keep his head down, keep playing and keep working hard for his team.
"Whatever comes in the future will come and he'll earn it."
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