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Football London
Football London
Sport
Mark Wyatt

Michael Olise international tug of war continues as Crystal Palace player switches allegiances

Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise has reportedly been swayed by Algeria to represent them internationally.

The teenager is eligible to play for four different countries, having been born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother.

Olise is so far yet to earn a senior international cap but was previously thought to be swaying towards representing Nigeria, having been named on a standby list of players in March to play in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

The 19-year-old never joined up with the Super Eagles though, and according to BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, that was because his agent wanted him to first secure his move to the Premier League to join Crystal Palace.

Michael Olise withdrew from the Nigeria standby list earlier this year (Oluwashina Okeleji)
Michael Olise is reportedly hopeful of representing Algeria (Oluwashina Okeleji)

Olise was ruled out of pre-season and the start of the new campaign with Patrick Vieira's side with a back injury, but eventually made his first appearance for his new club off the bench against Spurs in September.

His return to fitness seems to have coincided with a change of heart over who he wants to represent though, as now it seems the teenager will be more likely to represent Algeria.

Okeleji also reports that a call up to Didier Deschamps' France side would be Olise's next option if Algeria doesn't work out. Three years ago, Olise played twice for France Under-18s at the Toulon tournament, which remains his only international appearances to date.

Olise's younger brother, Richard, who plays as a centre-back in the Chelsea academy, represents England at youth level.

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