Shane Ferguson commits international future to NI

Shane Ferguson has impressed during his time with Newcastle United

Newcastle United winger Shane Ferguson has committed his international future to Northern Ireland.

Ferguson did not answer a call-up to the senior squad last month and there was speculation that the Derry-born player might switch to the Republic.

However, Ferguson ended those suggestions after lining out for the Northern Ireland Under-21s on Tuesday.

"I've always wanted to play for Northern Ireland and that won't change," said the 20-year-old.

Ferguson has already earned a senior cap in a friendly against Italy two years ago but is not yet tied to the country as it was not a competitive international.

There were strong rumours he intended to follow the likes of Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy, Paul George and James McClean and take advantage of a Fifa ruling by pledging himself to the Republic.

However, it has transpired a personality clash with Worthington was a more likely reason for his absence.

Ferguson lined out of the Northern Ireland Under-21s in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Serbia in Coleraine.