The young Everton man had been named in Worthington’s squad as one of three uncapped players set to take part in a friendly with Albania in Tirana next month.

The 18-year-old Londonderry-born player, who has made two Toffees appearances in the Europa League season, informed Worthington he wanted to play for the Republic after receiving the call.

The Northern Ireland boss is believed to be disappointed with the teenager’s change of heart. Duffy looked set to earn his first cap following the absence of captain Aaron Hughes and his defensive team-mate Chris Baird in the squad.

But the promising youngster has opted to change allegiance, with his eligibility for Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic coming from his father, who was born in the Irish town of Donegal.

He has come through the system with the province and was captain of the Under-19s before graduating to the Under-21s. Duffy’s decision follows that of Manchester United’s Darron Gibson, who also chose to play for the Republic despite hailing from Derry.

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