Hale can 'handle' any 'grief' over switch to Northern Ireland

Ronan Hale celebrates after scoring a goal for Ross County

New Northern Ireland call-up Ronan Hale says he can "handle" any "grief" he receives for completing his international transfer from the Republic of Ireland.

The 26-year-old was included in manager Michael O'Neill's squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden after he received clearance to play for Northern Ireland in January.

Belfast-born Hale represented the Republic at under-19 and under-21 level.

"Obviously I'm going to get some grief here and there and it was a big decision but it's one that I'm happy with and I'm really looking forward to getting going," Hale told BBC Sport NI.

"I'm a big lad, I can handle it. It's one of those where you've made decision and it's just moving on with it. I take it with a pinch of salt and if they're not liking it I'll get them on board hopefully with what I do on the pitch.

"I feel it's the right decision for my career and for my family. It's one you can look back on when you're done playing football and can say you've played international football."

Formerly on the books of Birmingham City, Hale has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Scottish Premiership outfit Ross County this season since his summer switch from Irish Premiership side Cliftonville.

The forward had signed off from his spell with the Reds by scoring twice in their 3-1 Irish Cup final win over Belfast rivals Linfield in a thrilling Irish Cup final in May.

"It was a great couple of months for me. I just wanted to give myself another crack. I'm not getting any younger and I was ready to take the leap [to full-time professional football].

"I'm back playing full-time football across the water and on the brink of my international debut if all goes to plan.

"The international call-up is the icing on the cake after a great year. I'm just really looking forward to what I can bring to the Northern Ireland set-up. Hopefully I can start with a bang."

'I've been itching to get in there'

Hale has had a lengthy wait for Fifa clearance to be granted for his international switch, but after missing the autumn's Nations League games he is raring to go in the upcoming friendlies which serve as preparation for the World Cup qualifying campaign which starts in September.

"It's been tough not being able to be selected. I've been watching the games itching to get in there," he said.

"Things got rolling very quickly but obviously the process was a bit long and thankfully we're here now.

"It's taken a long time but it's come along now and I'm looking forward to getting in the mix. It's a young group that is on the up."

Hale explains that some conversations with NI boss O'Neill paved the way for his move.

"I remember Jim Magilton [Cliftonville manager and 52-times capped Northern Ireland international] saying to me that Michael liked me and he'd like to have a sit-down with you and I said 'no problem'.

"I got talking to him and once I got my move [to Ross County] it was straightforward from there. I spoke to my family and they backed the decision."

The former Larne striker is determined to finish his season off on a high at both club and international level.

"I'm not usually one for targets but now I'm back in the full-time environment I set out to score 10 goals by Christmas and I reached that in January so I wasn't far off.

"Now I'm just trying to finish the season with as many goals as I can and I want to add international goals in there now as well.

"We have a massive game coming up against Hearts at the weekend and a win would set me up nicely for the international break."

Listen to the full interview with Ronan Hale on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Foyle on Saturday 15 March from 14:00 GMT.