Former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has disclosed that he could have easily played for the Black Stars of Ghana during his playing career.
Hughton was born in Forest Gate, then part of Essex, now part of London, the son of a Ghanaian postman, Willie Hughton, and his Irish wife Christine, née Bourke.
However, he represented the Republic of Ireland national team featuring in 53 games – playing at the 1988 European Championship and being part of the squad for the 1990 World Cup.
“My Ghanaian side was a strong part of me as well,” the 63-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
“Of course, representing the Republic of Ireland [it] was a lot closer. There were a lot more players playing for the Republic of Ireland that were in the same position as me – that would have had Irish parents but were born in England.
He added, “But yes, certainly, if Ghana had come in at the time [I could have played].”
“I made my debut for Republic of Ireland in 1979. And Ghana, since then, have qualified for World Cups. Times were different then but yes, it could have been a possibility.”
