Stephen Kenny admits he's not counting on Leeds striker Patrick Bamford declaring for the Republic of Ireland.
The 27-year-old scored 17 Premier League goals last season as the promoted Elland Road club sailed through their first campaign back in the top flight, in the process propelling himself to the fringes of the England squad before ultimately missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the rescheduled Euro 2020 finals.
Bamford was capped by Ireland at under-18 level and has been courted previously, but amid suggestions fitness coach Damien Doyle - who worked with the player during their time together at MK Dons - might be able to persuade him to commit to the green shirt, Kenny appears to have moved on.
He said: "He was very close to being in contention, maybe, for England for the European Championship. It's not realistic to suggest that at the moment, I would feel.
"I think that was obviously his objective, to go to the European Championship with England.
"There's no doubt he's a very good player, a quality centre-forward, but we have to believe in the talent that we have. We have to work to improve it and get better.
"It's unusual for players to switch nationality - I'm not saying it never happens - so quickly after a situation of just being left out of a tournament. There are not many instances of that. Normally it's over a long period."
