Blackburn Rovers defender Tony Kane has opted to play for Northern Ireland instead of the Republic of Ireland.

Kane, 20, has been drafted in to Nigel Worthington's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Latvia and Iceland on September 8 and 12.

Kane has already turned out for the Republic Under-21s but as they were only friendly matches, he has been able to change his mind.

Irish boss Nigel Worthington, who liased with Blackburn about the matter, said: "I am extremely encouraged by the response of Tony to join the squad.

"I feel he can benefit enormously from the experience."