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Stephen Kenny reveals Blackpool winger CJ Hamilton has declared for Ireland

Published 14:23 12 Apr 2022 BST

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"He grew up in Waterford."

Stephen Kenny revealed that CJ Hamilton has declared for the Republic of Ireland. The Blackpool winger qualifies for the national team through his Irish mother. The former Sheffield United youth player climbed the lower leagues of England with Gainsborough, Halifax, Gateshead, and Mansfield. The 27-year-old joined Blackpool in League One and won promotion to the Championship with the Seasiders in 2021.

Stephen Kenny reveals CJ Hamilton has declared for Ireland.

Kenny disclosed that Hamilton has declared for Ireland, despite not previously being on the radar of the FAI. The winger is now in contention for the June Nations League fixtures. “A player has come to our attention and has declared for Ireland and his paperwork is done. It was one that we weren't monitoring until he came to our attention, we had no idea really," Kenny said on The LOI Show. “It's CJ Hamilton who's a left-winger for Blackpool. Someone mentioned to us that he was available and we spoke to him. CJ is super keen and wants to do it."

Kenny on Hamilton's Irish roots.

Hamilton lived in Waterford growing up whilst playing football for Carrick United and hurling for Clonea. The tricky winger has 21 appearances in the Championship this season and has chipped in with one goal and three assists. Kenny will use the coming weeks to learn more about Hamilton as he now has another option out wide. https://twitter.com/bfcedits/status/1372242334050566148 “He's playing at Championship level regularly and is very quick. CJ qualifies through his Irish mother. He played for Carrick United growing up. He grew up in Waterford," Kenny added. “I've not seen loads of him, I've just watched his games so forth. He was not on my radar as such. He's on the radar now and we've done his paperwork, it's nearly completed.”