FRESH doubt has been cast over Nathan Fraser’s international intentions.
SunSport has learned that Ireland under-21 boss Jim Crawford wanted to include the Wolves striker in his squad for friendlies against England and Croatia.
But the teenager declined the invitation, saying he wished to instead concentrate on preparing for next season in club football.
It is the second time Fraser – capped at Under-19 level in 2022 – has turned down a call-up this year.
Crawford wanted to call him up in March too but he respected Wolves’ wishes for him to remain at Molineux as he was their only fit striker at the time.
On this occasion, it is understood that the player himself made the decision, without any influence from the Premier League outfit.
Fraser, 19, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at his local club, starting one Premier League game and coming on in a further six.
He also played twice in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, scoring once in each knockout competition.
At present, he would be behind QPR’s Sinclair Armstrong– who has already won one senior cap – as well as Millwall’s Aidomo Emakhu and Johnny Kenny – on loan from Celtic to Shamrock Rovers– in the pecking order to play upfront.
But he is also eligible for the next Under-21 European Championship campaign, as well as the current one.