The Dundee United defender is set to win his first senior Ireland cap when the Boys in Green face Grenada on Saturday evening.
Will Ferry(Image: INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
Heimir Hallgrímsson has come up with a theory behind Dundee United’s willingness to release Will Ferry for international duty.
The full-back has been a late addition to Hallgrímsson’s Ireland squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Grenada. His arrival was confirmed on Thursday morning.
His Scottish Premiership side had declined to release him, but ahead of Saturday’s season finale against St Mirren they cannot move any higher or lower in the table.
With nothing at stake other than pride, the uncapped Ferry has been allowed to travel to Spain for the friendly in Murcia.
Hallgrímsson explained that after Cardiff defender Joel Bagan was ruled out through injury, he wanted to bulk up his options on the left-hand-side.
Ferry’s club agreed to let him go, then changed their mind and eventually did a second u-turn.
As for Dundee United’s late decision to allow Ferry to travel, the Ireland manager wondered if it had something to do with his potential departure from Tannadice this summer.
“It was because we had Joel Bagan and we needed a left-back,” he said.
“What were the options? I don’t know why but Dundee United called us and said he would be available. Then we were just happy because we needed one.
“Then they lost the game and the coach kept him until three days ago and then they released him.
“I think he is on the move, so they probably wanted him to have a cap, I don’t know.”