SOCCER:Republic of Ireland Under-21 captain Eddie Nolan is in line to make his first senior international appearance after being called up for the injured Steve Finnan ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Georgia.
Espanyol full back Finnan was ruled out with a hamstring injury and didn’t travel to Dublin from Spain. Hull striker Caleb Folan has also withdrawn.
With Paul McShane also struggling to be fit, manager Giovanni Trapattoni called up 20-year-old Nolan after he impressed the Italian in a number of recent performances for Preston North End.
Trapattoni has watched the former Blackburn player in action twice recently, with the Waterford native learning of his call-up after his side’s draw with Reading yesterday.
'I'm absolutely delighted to be called up. I must admit I am quite surprised. I only found out after the game (against Reading), and was shocked really to get the call from the FAI,” admitted Nolan, who played in the B game against Nottingham Forest last year.
“I would say it is the highlight of my career so far definitely. It is part of the learning curve for me and will be a good experience.”
Nolan did not train with the rest of the side yesterday, remaining behind in the team hotel with McShane and Kevin Doyle, who took a heavy knock against Preston at the Madejski Stadium.
Trapattoni admitted that there are no fears of Doyle not playing at Croke Park on Wednesday and that he is more concerned about McShane, who has suffered from hamstring problems of late.
Meanwhile, Trapattoni took time out to yet again praise goalkeeper Shay Given, backing the Donegal man to emulate the feats of legendary compatriot Dino Zoff.
The Italian goalkeeper played well into his 40s in a distinguished career which brought him World Cup glory among a host of honours.
Former Italy boss Trapattoni has previously compared Given favourably to Gianluigi Buffon, and after seeing him secure a big money switch to Manchester City from Newcastle last week, is convinced he has much of his career still ahead of him.
The 32-year-old made a superb debut for City in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, during which he pulled off a string of fine saves to deny Brazilian striker Afonso Alves, and his international boss was delighted by his form.
“Goalkeepers are lucky because they can play until they are 40. Touch wood, without injuries he could go on like Dino Zoff, who was playing when he was 42 years old.
“Shay, without injuries, could go on for many, many years. His mentality is strong and yesterday, his reactions were fantastic. He made three or four very difficult saves.”
