Peter Lynch

Tue 15 August 2023 16:10, UK

New Northern Ireland Under-19 manager Gareth McAuley has shared a “disappointed” verdict about West Ham youngster Sean Moore.

The 18-year-old signed for the Hammers earlier this summer from Northern Irish club Cliftonville on a three-year deal, as per the official West Ham website (30 June).

The teenage forward switched allegiances from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland earlier this year, having featured in friendlies for the former’s Under-18 team.

“It was Sean’s choice,” McAuley told the Belfast Telegraph. “I would never stand in the way of a kid who wants to go and play football. I don’t know the full ins and outs of it, I just know he is a very good player, and it’s a shame.

“I think everyone is disappointed that he left, but that’s his choice and we tried our best as an association to get him to stay and play for us. We’ve moved on.”

Bright future ahead

Moore has linked up with West Ham’s Under-21 squad for the new campaign, with the forward undoubtedly signed for the future.

And that future looks very bright indeed, with the club already boasting several talented youngsters, with the Hammers having won the FA Youth Cup last season.

Moore should enjoy life in East London over the coming months after breaking through at Cliftonville, with first-team opportunities under manager David Moyes perhaps on the cards in the near future.

West Ham aren’t exactly overflowing with strikers at this moment in time, with Gianluca Scamacca leaving only Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama as the senior options.

The youngster may also go on to shine for his country in the coming years, even if his international career has gathered some controversy.

Northern Ireland fans will be disappointed that Moore has decided to switch allegiances, but international rules would allow a return at this stage if that is what the player chooses.

In other West Ham news, one player is set to remain at Rush Green until a decision has been made regarding his future.