MICHAEL Obafemi has committed his international future to the Republic of Ireland.

Obafemi was on the bench during their goalless draw with rivals Northern Ireland last night.

The 18-year-old could have played for England or Nigeria, but opted against it in order to play for the country of his birth.

He represented Ireland at youth level and a statement released by Playerworks CSM - on behalf of Saints’ youngster - confirmed his intentions.

“Michael was born in Ireland, so this is the country he naturally wants to play for.” the statement read.

“Martin O’Neill has shown great faith in Michael and he wants to repay that faith by helping the team achieve success.

“Michael is 100 percent committed to Ireland.”

Before Obafemi confirmed his decision, Saints first team coach Kelvin Davis said: “I have seen Michael coming through the ranks at Southampton and the first thing you notice about him is that he has real pace.

“He is a raw talent. In my opinion, Ireland would be crazy not to try and get him in their squad on a full-time basis and if that means giving him at a cap in a friendly game to try and get him on board, they they should do it.”

Saints midfielder Steven Davis captained Northern Ireland in the 0-0 draw.

Davis’ side came close to scoring twice but failed to find the breakthrough.

Obafemi will now travel with the Eire team to Denmark for their UEFA Nations League clash on Monday night.

Eire boss Martin O'Neill said: “Michael has committed himself to us and that is really great.

"He will come with us now that he has made that commitment.

“He has promise about him. Naturally we’re pleased he has committed himself but he obviously has work to do.

“He has only been in and around the Southampton first-team a couple of times. He’s very young and very raw but they are attributes that can he honed.

“In time that can happen, certainly at his club and in the not too distant future he could be a proper player for us.

“But it asking a lot of him to step in now and be the answer for us.”