Sean Moore is expected to be called up by Northern Ireland Under 19 boss Gerard Lyttle for next month's Elite stage European qualifiers despite the teenager's inclusion in a Republic of Ireland training camp.
The 17-year-old was yesterday named in Tom Mohan's Republic U19 squad for two behind-closed-doors friendlies.
Despite the move, the Irish FA are likely to call up Moore for next month's U19 European games which see Northern Ireland take on France, Romania and Norway.
Read more: Sean Moore's international future takes another turn after training camp call-up
Moore has starred for table-topping Cliftonville this season, scoring two goals in 19 Premiership appearances.
His performances have earned the attention of clubs across the water including West Ham United, Newcastle United, Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Moore's displays have also caught the eye of Republic of Ireland Under 19 boss Mohan who has been monitoring the teenager's progress at Solitude.
It has resulted in a potential tug of war between the Irish FA and FAI to secure the services of the highly-rated youngster.
Moore has already featured for Northern Ireland at underage level, in two U18 friendlies last November, but was not selected for the Under 17 Euro qualifying campaign.
Speaking recently, Northern Ireland Under 17 and 19 boss Gerard Lyttle told Belfast Live that Moore would "potentially" come into his U19 squad for the Elite stages of the Euro qualifiers.
He said: "Paddy McLaughlin came out in an interview last weekend and said Sean was going nowhere. He made it very clear.
"I think there was an offer from West Ham around the £200,000 mark. I watched him last Saturday and it was probably one of his quieter games, yet he scored a goal and won a penalty.
"So he had a real impact on the result.
"I have said it before that it is important we don't put too much pressure on the kid. He is developing and will have inconsistent performances.
"He needs good people around him to manage him when things aren't going great. There will be ups and downs.
"In a selfish way I am glad he is staying. He is playing men's football every week, and he will come into the Northern Ireland Under 19s a year young and potentially come into the squad for the Euro elites."
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