INTERNATIONAL:TOTTENHAM MIDFIELDER Jamie O'Hara is facing a "difficult decision" this summer, when he expects to make a final call on whether to play for the Republic of Ireland.

Giovanni Trapattoni has made no secret of his desire to coax the left-sided player into his international set-up but has been keen not to rush him.

O’Hara, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and played in the club’s 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, is expected to make a decision before the start of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

The 23-year-old, who qualifies for the Republic through his grandparents, has played for England at under-21 level but has never been selected for the senior squad.

“I’ve always loved playing for England so I wouldn’t want to upset anyone or disrespect the Irish people as well, because I’ve got a lot of family in Ireland,” he told journalists.

“It’s going to be a difficult decision to make and I don’t want it to become a big deal in a way.”

O’Hara could also be moving clubs if manager Harry Redknapp cannot offer him any hope of first-team football at White Hart Lane.

“If I can’t break in there and Harry pulls me in and says I’m not going to feature as much as I’d like, then hopefully I’ve done enough this year to earn a move to a decent Premier League club.”

O’Hara was one of the few positives for Portsmouth this season and was instrumental in their run to the FA Cup final.