Highly-rated Bayern Munich youngster Ryan Johansson reportedly declares for Ireland

Highly-rated Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Johansson has declared his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, according to reports on Saturday.

The Luxembourg-born youngster has represented his country of birth, Sweden through his father and Ireland through his mother during an eventful underage career.

The 17-year-old took part in several pre-season friendlies for Bayern during the summer, against Juventus and Manchester City, and has appeared four times in the UEFA Youth League.

Johansson was part of Tom Mohan’s Ireland under-19 squad for a pair of friendlies with Wales in Longford in September.

He subsequently played for Luxembourg but made his debut for Luxembourg under-21s in European Championship qualifying the following month.

However, reports on the42.ie and independent.ie quote Johansson’s Mullingar-born mother Christine, who insists his international future is with the Boys in Green.

Ms Johansson confirmed that her son had contacted Mohan to inform him that he was prepared to commit to Ireland.

The teenager has represented Sweden and Ireland in non-competitive fixtures, but would be tied to Ireland should he take part in a UEFA qualifier.

“He’s played for all three countries, but the best experience he had was with Ireland,” she told the42.ie.

“His heart is very much really with Ireland, and I’m a very happy Irish mother.”