Steve Staunton has told Roy O'Donovan to prove himself before the new Sunderland striker can be considered a senior international prospect.

O'Donovan has featured at under-21 and 'B' level but was angered when overlooked by the Republic of Ireland manager for the summer tour to the United States.

Staunton capped a large number of players in those games against Ecuador and Bolivia and O'Donovan's frustration was compounded when Notre Dame amateur Joe Lapira received a late call.

O'Donovan was a Cork City player then but completed his move to Roy Keane's Premiership outfit last week and made something of a controversial debut in last night's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.

As expected, he has not been selected today by Staunton for Wednesday's friendly in Denmark and instead has been urged to prove himself.

"Everybody is going to be considered to play for Ireland but just because he (O'Donovan) came on for 20 minutes doesn't all of a sudden make him an outstanding player," said Staunton who is understood to have attended last night's game.

"It will benefit him playing in the Premiership and he will become a better player but he's still got a long way to go."

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce criticised O'Donovan for his controversial role in Sunderland's last minute equaliser at St Andrew's.

Trailing 2-1, Sunderland pushed forward late on.

Republic of Ireland international Colin Doyle made a spectacular save to deny Ross Wallace but as O'Donovan followed in for the rebound he stumbled over the goalkeeper.

Pinned to the goalline, Doyle was unable to get back to his feet and prevent substitute Stern John heading home the equaliser after Nyron Nosworthy sent the loose ball back across the goal.

Bruce was left seething at match officials who he believed missed a blatant  infringement on O'Donovan's part.

"I was determined to go back in the Premier League and not bleat about referees or linesmen," said Bruce.

"But I've seen their centre-forward (O'Donovan) jumping on my goalkeeper and stopping him getting up. I think the referee should be seeing that, because everyone else is seeing that.

"After he makes the save, he's still lying in the back of the net. The referee and linesman have missed it - which has cost us dearly - and it's a shame, because he produced a fantastic save."

Republic of Ireland international Paul McShane - named in the squad for Denmark - deflected through his own net to gift Birmingham a first half-lead.

New signing Michael Chopra then scored for the second game running with a superb 75th minute equaliser only for Scottish international Garry O'Connor to put the hosts back in front minutes later.

But with the game almost up, John - a former Birmingham player - popped up to secure a point for Keane's side, much to O'Donovan's delight and Bruce's frustration.