Kai Rooney and JJ Gabriel face same issue after Man Utd breakthroughs

Manchester United prospects Kai Rooney and JJ Gabriel are both determined to establish themselves in the first team, but may encounter an identical dilemma at the international level. The pair have garnered considerable recognition through their displays for United's Under-18s this term.

Rooney, 16, is aiming to emulate dad Wayne, who remains United's all-time leading goalscorer. The teenager has made encouraging progress, netting twice in seven appearances for Darren Fletcher's side, and featured at Old Trafford for the first time in January.

His parents looked on with pride as their eldest son participated in an FA Youth Cup fixture against Derby County and were also present when Kai assisted the U16 team in claiming the Premier League Shield. Regrettably, the United prospect sustained a season-ending injury last month.

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Left-winger Gabriel is expected to be incorporated into the club's pre-season preparations, despite being 15 years old, after contributing to propel the U18s side to the FA Youth Cup final.

While both Rooney and Gabriel try to make an impression at United, senior achievement could result in challenging choices on the international stage. Despite his dad previously being England's record goalscorer, Rooney is also eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland.

Both his parents have Irish heritage, which would allow the United academy star to play for the country, and Kai's mother, Coleen, recently addressed the possibility of her children not representing England.

"Obviously they're so young yet," she said during a recent appearance on The Late Late Show. "We haven't got to that point, but I think they'd be proud to play for Ireland, yeah. But I don't know, they don't know. Let's let them make the decision."

Kai is yet to feature for England's age-group teams, unlike Gabriel, who has two England U17 caps. Gabriel is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland and has several other options available to him.

His father is former defender Joe O'Cearuill, who twice played for the Republic of Ireland in 2007. Gabriel has a Cypriot mother and could also opt to represent Trinidad and Tobago through his grandfather.

JJ Gabriel of Manchester United

JJ Gabriel recently scored for Manchester United in their FA Youth Cup semi-final win over Crystal Palace (Image: Getty Images)

There is substantial excitement surrounding the youngster's potential. However, United boss Michael Carrick has emphasised that the club will not rush his development.

Speaking in March, Carrick said: "JJ is a big talent. We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important in managing everything that comes with that and working with him in development."

Meanwhile, Kai will be determined to return to full fitness and establish himself as a vital member of United's academy sides before reaching any conclusions regarding his international future. However, it was not a decision that dad Wayne contemplated during his own playing career.

"I've never thought about playing for Ireland," Rooney Snr said in 2015. "I was born in England, I'm English.

"When I was at Everton, Lee Carsley asked me about it on behalf of Mick McCarthy but it never crossed my mind. I have Irish grandparents, so if they wanted to play for Ireland I'm sure they could have, but it was never something I thought about.

"I am English through and through and I have no issue with trying to beat Ireland. I am playing for England and I want to help England win."