WITH AN international call-up for the Republic of Ireland still looking like a remote prospect even a couple of months ago, West Brom’s Simon Cox has revealed he has had to cancel his holidays in order to travel to Dublin this month for the games against Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The 24-year-old, whose grandmother emigrated from Galway to England as a young woman, is hoping to make his debut after the paperwork relating to his declaration for Ireland was completed. His opportunity has come after a good spell at the Hawthorns where new manager Roy Hodgson has made Cox a first-team regular since taking over.

“I’d already booked my holidays so I’ve had to cancel one to Marbella and move one back to Dubai so I can go and play,” he says.

“But I was more than happy to do that. It was something I never thought was going to come up but the chance to play international football is not something I want to pass up. It’s a good time for me to get in and around it at this stage of my development. I see getting caps for Ireland as a proud moment and so do my family.

“My grandmother is very proud,” he added. “She moved over to England when she was young and married my grandad. All her sisters and my dad’s cousins are all still in Galway.”

Cox said last week that he had been about to look for a move to another club until Hodgson replaced Roberto Di Matteo but his future with the midlands outfit now looks a good deal brighter.

Many other players on the periphery of Giovanni Trapattoni’s horizons are finding out this week whether they will get new deals at their clubs and amongst those to get bad news yesterday was Willo Flood, the former Celtic and Manchester City midfielder who was released by Middlesbrough after an 18-month spell at the club that was injury-ravaged.

“I’m aware that Willo started very well when he came here,” said Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray as he revealed the names of some of those who would not be offered new deals by the club, “and I can see exactly what assets he brings to the team.

“But I’m looking to put my own stamp on the team and I need to create space in the squad to enable me to bring in my own players.”

Bristol City goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has been offered new terms by his club following an impressive stint this season while out on loan at Yeovil Town. The Dubliner has been regarded as City’s third choice while there this year but that may change given that former England number one David James has yet to agree a new deal despite having made enough appearances this season to trigger a contractual clause entitling him to an extension.

The speculation surrounding Shay Given’s future continues with the Donegalman and Ajax’s Mark Stekelenburg both widely suggested to be interesting Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.

Elsewhere, Ciaran Clark has shared the players’ Young Player of the Year award at Aston Villa with Mark Albrighton while Shane Long has run away with the main prize at Reading after a campaign in which he has scored 23 times with 21 coming in the league.

“A few players played out of their skins this season so it makes this award even more special,” said Long after being named as the winner.

“It’s a wonderful honour and obviously Im delighted. Hopefully we can finish the season on a high now.

“We want to continue where we left off and beat Cardiff City over two legs. We have to do it the hard way now through the play-offs but hopefully I can score some telling goals to help us get into the Premier League.”

Former Under-21 international Richard Keogh picked up the Players’ Player award at Coventry at the end of a campaign in which he featured in every minute of every game.

Keogh, who only arrived at the club from Carlisle last summer, made an immediate impact and even switched from right back to central defence towards the end of the season with his first goal coming against Norwich on the last day.

“To be honest it has not really sunk in yet,” said the 24-year-old.

“When I signed from Carlisle, I obviously wanted to play as many games as I could but you don’t expect to play every one. Luckily for me, though, I have managed to stay clear of injuries and suspensions and stay in as consistent form as I can.