However shortly afterwards he became embroiled in controversy when it emerged that, together with Jack O'Reilly, he had signed for Norwich City before playing in the cup final on 19 April.
His United teammates included, among others, Jack O'Reilly, Florrie Burke, Bill Hayes, Jackie O'Driscoll, Frank O'Farrell and Tommy Moroney.
Both associations, the Northern Ireland-based IFA and the Irish Free State-based FAI, claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island.
[4] While playing for Norwich City, Madden made his one and only appearances for the IFA XI on 23 October 1937 in a 5–1 defeat against England at Windsor Park.
His teammates that day included fellow dual internationalists Tommy Breen, Bill Hayes and Alex Stevenson.