Gary O’Neil insists Wolves did not play any part in convincing Nathan Fraser to snub a call-up to the Ireland under-21s squad.

The Wolverhampton-born academy graduate has represented the Irish under-19 side and was set for his first under-21s call-up for a Euro qualifier against San Marino. But Fraser turned down the opportunity, with Ireland under-21s boss Jim Crawford saying the 19-year-old was concerned about getting injured. Fraser enjoyed his first senior Wolves start last week against Fulham and with several key players sidelined he is expected to get more opportunities in the coming weeks – but O’Neil is adamant the decision was down to the player.

I had no input into that choice; it was made by an individual, according to O’Neil.

Jim said to me earlier in the week that he was thinking of phoning Nathan, so I said that was OK, no issue.

“We are currently managing a minor hip issue for him, but he is improving and I was pleased that he was taken into consideration.”

“After that, Nathan decided what he believed to be best for himself.

The Ireland manager added that, in spite of O’Neil’s urging, Wolves managed to persuade Fraser to remain put.

“He was sincere, and I can only take him at face value,” Crawford remarked.

“I am at my limit in what I can do. I won’t challenge him or act aggressively toward him.

I’ll get right to the point. As a result of the fact that some players have historically sustained injuries during camps—during practice or competition—I estimate that 95% of clubs will not want their players to serve on international teams.

The majority of managers would say they’d prefer to keep you in the building if you had a huge derby coming up and you were having trouble finding strikers. That’s because he will be their starting striker for them, so they can watch over you and control your training.

the upcoming weeks.

“I assume that if a head coach told someone as young as Nathan, he would say, ‘Okay, I’ll stay here.'”

His employers are the Wolves, therefore it’s a plus for us that he expressed a desire to be taken into consideration in the future.

For the forthcoming international break, a number of Wolves players have been called up by their respective nations, and O’Neil believes that all of his players, including Fraser, should aim to represent their country.

O’Neil continued, “I believe that every player should strive to play for their country.”

I had a great time playing for the England under-21 team and in the under-20 World Cup, even though I was never allowed to continue at the full international level. I relished the opportunities I had to represent my nation.

“That Pablo was able to reintegrate into the Spain team makes him very happy.” Regaining a spot in such a quality group is an amazing accomplishment.

For the players, it has great meaning. It makes Joao Gomes very happy.

“I’m happy as long as they return fit because I’m a big fan of them wanting to play for their country.”