Senior Republic of Ireland international John O'Shea has called on West Ham midfielder Mark Noble to make a swift decision on his international future and declare for Ireland if that is his intention. This follows the 27-year-old saying yesterday he could make himself available to Martin O'Neill "over the next couple of weeks".
Noble, a former captain of the England under-18 and under-21 sides, has made no secret of his desire to play for the country where he was born and brought up and had previously ruled out accepting a call up for Ireland despite qualifying on the basis of his Cork-born grandparents. Speaking on Sky television yesterday, however, he made clear that being omitted from Roy Hodgson's latest England squad had led him to reconsider his position.
"With the players retired – [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard – you think you're going to get a chance," he said. "I'm sure Jack Colback and Fabian Delph thought the same thing, though.
‘Green jersey’
“I tried to concentrate on the game yesterday but I was disappointed not to be called up for England. I’d find it strange to pull on the green jersey because I’ve captained the England under-21s but you never know, football is a strange game, and I’ll make a decision over the next couple of weeks.”
O’Shea accepted that players in Noble’s position are perfectly entitled to declare no regardless of the motivation but suggested that they player should make their call rather than mulling over the issue.
“It’s very simple,” he said, “if they want to come and play, and they’re able to . . . Declare yourself for Ireland and, if selected, come and do your stuff.
“And if the players want to come and play, show they want to play and turn up when selected [then the fans should] get behind them the minute they pull on the jersey. Just don’t hem and haw about.
Jeff Hendrick is one of three players ruled out by injury problems with the Derby County midfielder having suffered a dislocated shoulder while player for his club on Saturday. Stephen Kelly and Andy Reid are both also unavailable.
Back for the first time since Euro 2012, though is Shay Given who tweeted that he was "delighted to be back," and "looking forward to meeting with the boys again" after it was confirmed on Saturday evening that he had been included in O'Neill's trimmed down squad of 27 for Wednesday's friendly against Oman and the opening qualifying game of the Euro 2016 campaign against Georgia in Tbilisi on Sunday.
Given, now 38, has played 26 competitive club games in as many months since last representing Ireland but, it is suggested, has been drafted back in on the basis that he will play ahead of David Forde and Keiren Westwood.
O’Shea says the news was unexpected but that he is happy to have the experience that Given, capped 125 times, brings back to the squad on the eve of the new campaign.
‘A Surprise’
“It’s a surprise but I’m delighted at the same time,” says the defender. “Losing Richard’s [Dunne] experience and quality was a blow, but to have someone like Shay coming in obviously help the group.
“We’re going to a tough destination and Shay will be important for that situation. He brings experience and quality.”
The bulk of the squad is due to train this morning in Malahide but Irish captain, Robbie Keane, is due in later this evening having stayed at his club, LA Galaxy, for last night's game against Chivas USA despite having been troubled over the last week or so by injury.
Brian Lenihan, meanwhile, has moved to Hull City for a fee believed to be in the region of €250,000 plus add-ons while Shelbourne go into this evening's FAI Cup replay against St Patrick's Athletic without midfielder Adam McDonnell who has joined Ipswich Town.
