A COUNTY-BASED footballer has switched allegiances and will now represent England, despite having already played for Scotland.

David Porcher, who has cerebral palsy, has chosen to play for England’s CP team.

His decision comes after a rule change from the International Federation for Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) means that UK passport holders can now choose which home nation to represent.

And the full-back, who represented Team GB at the Rio Paralympic Games last summer, explained the reasons behind making the switch.

He told Courier Sport: “My grandad was English and it just suited me better [to play for them].”

The 20-year-old, who was on Hibs’ books as a youngster, added: “I like them [England] lads better and I was offered money.”

Porcher could turn out for England’s CP side later this month, with the squad for friendly games due to be announced, before they head to San Luis in Argentina for the World Championship from September 3 to 22.

He also told Courier Sport that he would remain at current club Musselburgh Athletic, whom he joined after leaving Preston Athletic soon after the Paralympics.

Meanwhile, the IFCPF rule change has led to the Scottish Football Association (SFA) withdrawing from all IFCPF competitions, including the world championships.

That means Blair Glynn, from Tranent, will no longer represent the Scotland CP team, but he will continue to play, representing Scottish Disabilities Sport.

He posted on Twitter: “I just like to say thank you to SFA, that’s part of the reason I became the man I am today! On to newer and better things!”

And Stewart Regan, SFA chief executive, added: “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the players who were set to represent their country on the world stage later this year.

“This is a disappointing outcome to what has been a successful journey for the Scotland CP team, of whom the entire country can be proud.”