Andrew Lonergan

Andrew Michael Lonergan (born 19 October 1983) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Everton.

Lonergan is a former England U21 international and is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland. After starting his career at Preston North End, Lonergan soon established himself as a first-choice goalkeeper and won Preston's player of the year award in both the 2008–09 and 2009–10 seasons.

International Career

Lonergan is eligible to play for England and the Republic of Ireland. In 2000, Lonergan was called up by England U17, but had to withdraw from the squad because at the time, he was studying for his GCSEs. Lonergan revealed that his international commitment to England resulted in him missing out of school a lot.

After playing just one game for the Republic of Ireland's U16's, Lonergan decided to play for the country of his birth England. He was called up to represent England's U-21 team for the first time in February 2004. He also played for England in the Under 20's World Cup. He is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland national team due to his Irish grandparents.

Due to a change in FIFA rulings Lonergan became eligible for the Republic of Ireland, with the keeper on Giovanni Trappatoni's radar for the squad. Former Preston teammate and Republic of Ireland international Sean St. Ledger also championed Lonergan getting a call up to the Ireland squad. In May 2010, Lonergan revealed he would welcome a call up to the Republic of Ireland national team after he had initially refused an enquiry to be called up to the Irish squad.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Энди Лонерган (russian)