Paul Butler, Sunderland's forthright central defender, yesterday spelled out the reasons why, at the age of 28, he hopes to start a successful international career with the Republic of Ireland. Born in Manchester, Butler is more obviously qualified to play for Wales because of a Welsh grandmother and two years ago he was courted by the then Welsh manager Bobby Gould with a view to shoring up his defence for the Euro 2000 championship.

Instead, he has chosen to align himself with Mick McCarthy's emerging team for the next World Cup qualifying campaign. And he could get his first chance tomorrow night as McCarthy prepares to reassess his options in central defence against the Czech Republic.

"I have to admit that when I looked at the resources of the two teams, Ireland appeared to be that much better off with a lot of their players involved in the Premiership. I mean it's exciting for me to be involved in the same squad as players like Roy Keane and Robbie Keane," said Butler yesterday.

"The other fact which impressed me is the type of game Ireland play. It seemed to me that it was better suited to my strengths and so here I am. Nobody put any pressure on me, not even Niall Quinn at Sunderland, but I'm satisfied I've made the right choice.

"I know that to get into the team I will have to prove myself to be on at least a par with some very good defenders. But I've enough self-belief to give it a real try."

Now the only uncapped player in the squad following the withdrawal on Sunday of the injured Leeds United midfielder Stephen McPhail, Butler qualifies for Ireland because his stepfather was Irish. If that sounds a bit tenuous, he was quick to add that he's married to an Irish woman and, as such, is entitled to an Irish passport.

That second route to citizenship would have meant a delay of anything between nine and 12 months and with McCarthy due to embark on his World Cup qualifying programme against Holland on September 2nd, he didn't have that kind of time to waste. A couple of seasons ago, he was playing with Bury before his growing reputation at Gigg Lane brought him to the attention of Sunderland's manager Peter Reid.

"He's an old fashioned type of defender who dominates his penalty area physically, and that appeals to me," said Reid.

"But the thing which finally swayed me was the fact that he's always likely to get you a goal or two in set pieces," he added.