Stephen Kenny says Mark Sykes’ pride in his “Irish identity” influenced the Oxford United midfielder to declare for the Republic of Ireland.
Belfast-born Sykes told Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough at the weekend that he no longer wants to be considered for selection after switching allegiance to the south.
And while it will take several months to formalise the ‘transfer’, Republic boss Kenny believes the 23-year-old will bolster his midfield options moving forward.
He said: “Mark is someone who expressed an interest in playing for Ireland. He’s a fluent Irish speaker and he’s very proud of his Irish identity
“He’s a good player, a really good player and he’s had a good season (with Oxford United).”
Kenny, who succeeded Mick McCarthy as Republic manager earlier this year, also confirmed the paperwork confirming Sykes’ future availability will take time to process.
“It’s in its infancy really,” he said. “It’s not something that happens overnight. When you do that, it does take time - it takes a number of months.”
New Northern Ireland boss Baraclough, who succeeded Michael O’Neill in June, said he spoke with Kenny when news broke of Sykes’ decision at the weekend.
The former Sligo Rovers boss said: “I’ve spoken with Stephen. Perhaps I would have expected the call from him, but I made that call and that will remain private.”
Brighton's Jayson Molumby and Norwich City forward Adam Idah are both in line to make their senior Republic of Ireland debuts after being called into Kenny's first squad as manager.
The Republic face Bulgaria in Sofia on September 3 and host Finland three days later in a Nations League double header early next month.
