Marc Wilson keen to get back for Ireland

Ireland defender Marc Wilson is hoping his Stoke City return will give him a chance to join Ireland's battle for a World cup place in Brazil in 2014.

The 25-year-old County Armagh born defender expects to be available for Stoke's game at Fulham next Saturday after four months out with a broken leg.

He revealed that Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has kept in touch during his injury absence, so he is hoping to force his way back into the manager's plans as Ireland try to qualify for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Wilson, who has three senior caps, said: "I need to get myself playing for Stoke first and foremost before I can even consider being selected for Ireland.

"Giovanni Trapattoni has texted me a few times to ask how I am getting on and said he hasn't forgotten me.

"That was good to hear, so if I can get myself right here hopefully I can get myself back in the international team.

"Ireland have a difficult game coming up against Sweden. It's a crucial match because they are one point ahead of us in the group after they got that magnificent result against Germany.

"It's going to be a very important game for us and I want to get myself back for it."

Northern born players committed to Ireland's cause

Despite the recent bold pronouncements by new NI boss Michael O’Neill regarding his intention to stop players from the North opting to play for Ireland rather than his IFA team, it would seem, going by player statements in the past week, that his misguided mission is likely to continue falling on deaf-ears with players and supporters alike.

Last Week Derry born Sunderland wonder-winger James McClean again reiterated his intention to seek selection to Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland squad. "I have declared myself for the Republic and that's where I see my international future. If I don't get called up, then I'll live with that but I have confidence in my own ability that I will get a call-up at some stage with the Republic of Ireland”.

"I can only imagine what it would be like to play for Ireland at a tournament like that. I remember the last time they were at a finals, in 2002, everyone in Derry was watching the team then, and for me to make the squad would be unbelievable”.

Today Marc Wilson, the Stoke City midfielder from Aghagallon in County Antrim said on the Stoke website "I have always seen myself as a Republic of Ireland player. I supported them when I was growing up and if I have to continue to bide my time and wait for my chance to come along, I am happy to do that."

Wilson has represented Ireland at u19, u21 and senior level, although he has yet to play in a competitive senior international for Trapattoni.

He added: "I would love to play for them, though, one day and I have made that clear before a number of times. Hopefully, my time will come in the future. I would love to try to be part of the squad for the European finals, but if that doesn't happen, then I will keep working hard here at Stoke and try to earn a spot in the Ireland team."

"I made the decision a few years ago (to represent Ireland) without having my head turned by anybody, and I am sticking by that. It is something I am comfortable with."

And following on from McClean & Wilson’s statements of commitment to the Irish cause, Shane Duffy the Derry born Ireland U21 international has also reiterated his desire to one day make the grade for Trap’s senior squad.

Speaking in the Irish Mail on Sunday last weekend Duffy said “ When I was a young lad growing up all I ever wanted to do was play for Ireland, nothing else. My heroes were Paul McGrath, Roy Keane and Robbie Keane. Nobody from Ireland ever got in touch with me when I was younger. I was part of the NI squad, but when Liam Brady phoned me up to ask me to play for Ireland there was never a chance I was going to say no”

Perhaps the time is now right for Michael O’Neill and the IFA to concentrate on players who feel some affiliation or bond to Northern Ireland, rather than continually attempting to disrupt the international ambitions of Irish players born in the North, who are simply following their childhood dream of pulling on an Ireland shirt and representing their nation at the Aviva Stadium.

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Trapattoni suffers a number of Irish withdrawals

Giovanni Trapattoni has been hit with a number of injury pull-outs prior to Wednesday night's friendly international against Croatia in Dublin.

Everton winger Seamus Coleman left Goodison Park on crutches on Friday night, and while Ireland can withstand losing players for this week's game, Trapattoni won't want to be losing players for the key games in September against Slovakia and Russia. X-rays showed only ligament damage which could rule him out of those two games, but a second scan tomorrow will confirm the exact nature of the Donegal players injury.

Jonathan Walters, who came on as sub during Stoke City's Europa League play-off tie on Thursday, isn't expected to play but will travel to Dublin to have his calf injury examined. Fellow Stoke international Marc Wilson is also out due to a lump on his knee and personally spoke to Trapattoni on Friday, he is also expected to travel to Dublin today to see the Ireland medical team.

Ciaran Clark has been called into the squad after Damien Delaney suffered an ankle injury playing for Ipswich in the Championship opener against Bristol City and Keith Fahey is also out of the squad after being injured in Birmingham's 2-1 defeat to Derby.

Keith Andrews has also withdrawn from the squad due to a groin strain.

Irish boss Trapattoni says he will look at Shane Long and Simon Cox together up front but hopes to give Keane some game time while Kevin Doyle is also back in the squad after a lengthy lay off.

Trapattoni has been keeping a close eye on players and upcoming opposition over the summer months "I've pulled the plug on the holidays already," he said. "I've been watching DVDs, and have been keeping an eye on our players. I watched Villa play in Asia recently, I have watched Russia again two or three times, I have watched Slovakia again. We are preparing now for the Croatia game, but of course you get excited about the bigger games to come."

Wilson hoping for successful cup run

Ireland's Marc Wilson is pinning his hopes on a successful FA Cup campaign as he looks to overcome the heartache of missing last season's Wembley final show-piece.

The County Antrim born Irish international was a regular starter for Portsmouth under Avram Grant in a memorable run to the FA Cup Final which included the excellent 2-0 semi-final success against a strongly-fancied Tottenham Hotspur side at Wembley Stadium.

However, a hamstring injury suffered in Pompey's final Premier League game of the season against Everton brought his campaign to an end and subsequently scuppered his chances of featuring in main cup event of the English season.

"It was heartbreaking really, that's the only way I can describe it," he told stokecityfc.com. "To have played in all of the other games, including the semi final at Wembley, made it even harder for me.

"As a youngster, you grow up dreaming of walking up the stairs at Wembley to lift the FA Cup, and to have that chance taken away from you, just like I did last year, is gut-wrenching really.

He continued: "The FA Cup is an amazing competition to play in and it is still one I am dreaming about winning one day. I don't see why we can't achieve that here. We have a home game coming up and if we can come through that then we are in the last eight where anything can happen."

The 23-year old is refusing to get too carried away about the prospects of reaching the quarter finals for a second successive year, describing the upcoming encounter against League One high-fliers Brighton as an "extremely difficult challenge".

"It is a game of football, and in those 90 minutes anything is possible," he added. "This competition is famous and it is famous because strange things can happen. Teams who you don't think should have a chance can come out on top and we have to be wary of that.

"We have good players here and we are confident that if we play to our potential then we should win the game, but they will come here confident because they are doing very well this season. I have seen them a couple of times on television and I have been impressed with them."

Victory against the Seagulls would help cap off a memorable ten days for the youngster, who only last week stepped off the substitutes bench to make his senior debut for Ireland as they brushed aside Wales 3-0 in the opening game of the Carling Nations Cup.

"It was an extremely proud moment for me and obviously an occasion I will never ever forget. It was fantastic to play a part in the game because it is something I have wanted to do since I was a little boy," he commented in reflecting on his international debut.

"To have all my family and friends over there at the game made it even more special for me, and hopefully if I can continue doing the right things here at Stoke, which is my priority, then I will get more opportunities down the line to represent my country."

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Trapattoni names final squad for Wales cup game

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed his 22-man squad for the Carling Nations Cup opener against Wales at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday, February 8.

James McCarthy has been added to the senior squad and alongside the inclusion of Wilson, Coleman and Clarke makes for a very exciting blend of young Premiership talent and more experienced campaigners like Keane, Duff, Dunne and Given.


Ireland Squad:

Given (Manchester City)
Westwood (Coventry City)
O'Shea (Manchester United)
Clark (Aston Villa)
Coleman (Everton)
Dunne (Aston Villa)
St Ledger (Preston North End)
Kelly (Fulham)
O'Dea (Celtic)
Wilson (Stoke City)
Gibson (Manchester United)
Whelan (Stoke City)
Paul Green (Derby County)
Lawrence (Portsmouth)
McCarthy (Wigan Athletic)
Treacy (Preston North End)
Duff (Fulham)
Keane (West Ham United)
Walters (Stoke City)
Doyle (Wolves)
Long (Reading)
Best (Newcastle United).

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Marc Wilson eager to take midfield chance

Irish international Marc Wilson believes he is ready to try and gate-crash Stoke’s central midfield between now and the end of the season.

But he admits the successful Rory Delap/Dean Whitehead combination may remain a tough nut to crack.

That pair recently enjoyed eight successive Premier League games on the trot, but an enforced reshuffle at Manchester United and an FA Cup tie against Cardiff has left Wilson starting the last two games to much acclaim.

“It is always good whenever the fans appreciate you,” said the 23-year-old Irishman from County Antrim, “and it was great that the manager should give me the shout to play.

“I hadn’t played a full 90 minutes before the game at Old Trafford, so after 80 minutes I was feeling it a little bit. But it was great to be out there.

“Every player obviously wants to be in the team every week if he can and hopefully I can do that, but to be fair to Rory and Dean have been doing really well.”

Wilson, who joined four months ago as part of the deal that took Dave Kitson to Portsmouth, has proved easy on the eye with his natural ability on the ball.

But he acknowledges there has been work to do on the defensive side of his game to meet the requirements demanded at Stoke.

“The manager has done a great job in getting all the players playing together,” he said, “and he likes the team really solid first and foremost.

“It has taken a bit of adjusting to for me, but I think I’m getting used to it now.”

WIlson has also attracted the interest of Ireland international manager Giovanni Trapattoni and may play some part in the upcoming Celtic cup game against Wales in Dublin next month. Wilson was drafted into the Ireland squad for their crucial European qualifying double-header against Russia and Slovakia last October, but failed to get off the bench on that occasion.

“I’ve been in the last few squads and I’d love to play for my country,” he said.

“Getting a game for Ireland would be an unbelievable achievement, but I think the manager wants all his players playing week in, week out for their clubs.”

Trapattoni to give youth a chance

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is likely to give some of his younger players an international start due to the number of senior players who have reported injured ahead of Wednesday's friendly game with Norway in Dublin.

The Irish boss has lost six of the players he initially named for the game and has further doubts over Sean St Ledger, Paul Green and striker Kevin Doyle, who were due to be assessed today.

Captain Robbie Keane is out with an ankle injury, Kevin Kilbane has withdrawn with a back problem and Richard Dunne, Paul McShane and Caleb Folan have varying knee injuries.

In addition, Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson has not reported for the squad due to a family illness.

Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark was named in a revised squad on Friday afternoon, but damaged a calf in the warm-up before Saturday's Premier League draw with Man United and has withdrawn.

As a result, Trapattoni has signalled his intention to have a look at young Everton defender Seamus Coleman, Greg Cunningham, who is currently on loan at Leicester from Manchester City, and Stoke striker Jon Walters. Celtic's Darron O'Dea and Stoke's Marc Wilson are also likely to feature during the game.

Trapattoni, who is awaiting Aiden McGeady's arrival from club duty with Spartak Moscow later today, said: "We are missing many injured players, but it is important in this friendly game to look at other young players.

"The likes of Coleman, Cunningham and Walters, it is very important for them and for us.

"The players, we know, but with us, they can increase in confidence and personality.
"It will be important in the future that these players are available to us."

St Ledger and Green will have scans on knee injuries today, while Doyle will have further examinations on the broken bone in his hand.

Wednesday's game is the first since last month's Euro 2012 double-header, which saw Ireland lose at home to Russia and draw in Slovakia.

However, Trapattoni insists there will be plenty at stake.

He said: "I have said many times in the past, there is no such thing as a friendly game for the national team.

"When players play for their country, when they have that shirt on, they have pride, they must be proud because they are playing for their country."

Trap to blood new talent in Norway friendly

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed he will blood some of the new Irish talent currently making waves for their club teams in the friendly against Norway at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday week.

Trap included the uncapped trio of Séamus Coleman, Marc Wilson and Jonathan Walters in his 27-man preliminary squad for the workout against a side currently leading their Euro 2012 qualifying group ahead of Portugal and Denmark.

With one eye firmly fixed on the European qualifying game against Macedonia in March, Trapattoni admitted the team starting in eleven days' time will be strong but fringe players will get some game time over the ninety minutes.

"This game will be an opportunity for two or three young players like Keith Treacy, Séamus Coleman, Greg Cunningham and also Mark Wilson to face a strong team.

"There needs to be balance in our team between the new, young and senior. We can make six substations plus the goalkeeper during the game.

"A positive result will be good for morale because we felt aggrieved about drawing with Slovakia in the last game.

"We played well and missed a penalty. A win would have kept us top of table with Russia but that is gone and we have to think about the future. That starts with the friendly against Norway.

"They (Norway) haven't many creative players but they are strong, physical and tactical. I have watched them play against Portugal, France and Iceland and they are a strong team.

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Marc Wilson - A central midfield solution for Stoke and Ireland

Ireland international Marc Wilson will be hoping to see more game time for Stoke in the coming weeks after putting in a solid shift in central midfield for the Potters against Man United last Sunday. And the trip to Goodison Park tomorrow is another opportunity to try and cement a starting place in the Stoke midfield.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has raised a few eyebrows at the Britannia stadium over his sparing use of the versatile midfielder, with Wilson making just his second Potters start since his £3 million move from Portsmouth this summer.

Stoke managed to beat several Premiership clubs to Wilson’s signature, with West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo & West Ham manager Avram Grant big admirers of the County Antrim born player.

Pulis will have to decide if he sticks with the Rory Delap/Dean Whitehead central pairing, which has had limited success this season or introduce Wilson for one of the two mentioned above.

Certainly the Delap/Wilson pairing sounds more attractive as you combine the industrial work of the defensive midfield with some quality on the ball from Wilson.

Wilson’s ability to use the ball intelligently could therefore make a difference particularly if a ball-winning grafter like Rory Delap was deployed alongside him to give him some protection.

The Ireland international appears to possess the qualities that the Stoke engine room has been lacking. Against Man United last week and in spite of the odd lapse of concentration, Wilson brought composure and vision to a midfield that is in need of some inspiration and flair.

On the international scene, and with Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni reviewing the makeup up of the central midfield positions, Wilson may be just the person to step in and shore up the current midfield weakness in the Irish team.

He certainly offers more than Paul Green and it would be interesting to see him start next month’s Norway friendly in the centre alongside Glen Whelan or even possibly Darron Gibson. Add to that his versatility and experience at right-back and right-midfield positions, and he sounds like an ideal candidate to be part of the Irish squad for years to come.

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McCarthy & Wilson in line for Ireland start

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has indicated that James McCarthy and Marc Wilson are likely to play in next month's friendly against Norway at Lansdowne Road, and has also commented on some press criticism stating that he is overly cautious with team selection and system.

The Irish boss said : "Over two years we have shown you and your colleagues that we have changed many players," he said. "Yes, we had Keane, Doyle, Kilbane, Dunne, Given, Duff but there was no Lawrence, no Andrews, no Green, no Fahey. The others are new."

And with the Norway friendly next month and the Celtic cup tournament games starting in February, Trapattoni has a number of opportunities over the winter months to assess fringe players and blood some new faces before the European Championship qualifying action resumes in March at home to Macedonia.

"Obviously we look for others," he said. "We have already the names and we follow them over the next month. Maybe James McCarthy we look at him. Sure. But not only him. We look every moment to change and put the new players in the team. We saw Marc Wilson when he used to play at the back but he was not a defender and he likes to play midfield now. He’s clever, he’s tall and he reads the game very well. And we will look at other options.

"The tournament next year will also be a chance to try the new players but, remember, these are also games against Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We cannot afford to take it easy in these games. And we also have a responsibility to protect the young players. For example, if you play badly and lose the game, then you risk damaging these young players. You can give them the possibility to grow but within reason. You have to think about the balance of the team."

Trapattoni also suggested that he would not rule out experimenting with different systems and tactics.

"I repeat to you: I’m not afraid to change the system," he said. "In the past, I thought that Stephen Ireland could play behind the striker. Before Slovakia, we considered playing Shane Long on the right and McGeady behind the striker. Do you remember where James McCarthy played against Brazil? McCarthy can also play behind the striker. You need to be technical to play that role. I had many ideas before the game in Zilina but, on the night, we were good on the pitch. It all depends on the players you have available."

Marc Wilson gets Trapattoni call-up

Stoke City defender Marc Wilson has been drafted into Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland squad ahead of their crucial European qualifying double-header against Russia and Slovakia.

Wilson from Aghagallon in County Antrim recently made a quick return to the Premiership after moving from cash strapped Portsmouth to Stoke City in a three million pounds deal in early September.

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis speaking at the time of Wilson’s move to The Potters said "He showed great maturity last season in what was a very difficult time for Portsmouth, so he will give us more competition for midfield places."

Wilson received his first international call up from Trapattoni in March this year when he was included in the squad for the glamour friendly against Brazil at the Emirates stadium in London. Speaking at the time of his first senior call-up Wilson said “It was always my dream to play for the Republic. I had grown up supporting them, Words could not describe my feeling when I heard about the call-up.”

Wilson has previously represented Ireland at u18, u19 and u21 levels.

Marc Wilson relishing Premiership return with Stoke

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has hailed the maturity of new signing Marc Wilson and feels the Irish international will add competition to his midfield options at Stoke.

Pulis told the club's website: "I wanted to freshen the squad up with some young players, and Marc certainly fits that criteria.

"He showed great maturity last season in what was a very difficult time for Portsmouth, so he will give us more competition for midfield places."

County Antrim born Wilson is also delighted to be back in the Premier League after suffering relegation with cash-strapped Pompey last season.

He added on the club's website: "This is a great club which is on the up and so this is a positive move for me.

"I had a taste of playing in the Premier League last season; it's the best league in the world and I wanted to get back there as soon as possible."

Wilson will also be hoping that his move back to the Premiership will increase his chances of featuring in Giovanni Trapattoni's plans for the European championship qualifiers over the next twelve months.

West Ham enter the hunt for Marc Wilson

SSN are reporting that West Ham have now entered the race to sign Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson.

The 23-year-old Irish international defender is subject to interest from a number of top-flight sides, with West Brom having already had a £3million bid turned down.

Fulham are also keen, while Stoke are thought to be lining up a player-plus-cash deal for the defender - with Dave Kitson and Liam Lawrence discussing moves in the opposite direction - estimated to be worth around £3.5m.

But Avram Grant's West Ham have now also made an approach, as they are eager to shore up a leaky defence which has already conceded six goals in their opening two Premier League defeats.

Pompey boss Steve Cotterill previously admitting he would be powerless to prevent the County Antrim born defender from leaving Fratton Park if the club receive the right offer

Marc Wilson still in West Brom sights

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has not ruled out a renewed bid for Ireland international Marc Wilson but he admits that it will be difficult to force a deal when Portsmouth are not willing to sell their most promising player.

Pompey boss Steve Cotterill revealed last week that his club had rejected a bid from the Premier League Baggies for his County Antrim born captain, with skysports.com having broken the news earlier in August.

Wilson has been excellent for Portsmouth in the opening matches of this season and his versatility makes him an attractive prospect for top-flight new boys West Brom.

Di Matteo has remained evasive when questioned about the possibility of making another approach for Wilson but he does acknowledge that Cotterill is unlikely to sell one of his best players.

"We made an offer for Wilson and it's been rejected," the West Brom boss told the Birmingham Mail. "As he is not our player I won't comment too much on it.

"It's difficult to say what will happen because if a club doesn't want to sell we can't do much."

Marc Wilson looks to retain capataincy for new season

Ireland defender Marc Wilson revelled in his new-found responsibility at Portsmouth and insisted: I want the captaincy for keeps.

The County Antrim born Irishman was the surprise choice to lead Steve Cotterill's strongest side out for the pre-season friendly against Fulham last Saturday.

Despite being only 22, he was given the nod ahead of the likes of more senior players Michael Brown, Richard Hughes, Hayden Mullins, Tommy Smith and David Nugent.

For Wilson, it's recognition of the growing maturity from a player who in 12 months has established himself as a first-team regular.

The home-grown talent, who also skippered Pompey in Edmonton, has been one of four captains used during seven pre-season matches.

Wilson has also been called into Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad for the friendly international against Argentina next week.

But Wilson is determined to cling on to that armband for Saturday's Championship opener at Coventry.

He said: 'The manager has been really good. He's just happy for me to go and play my game.

'He hasn't actually given me a reason why he's made me captain a couple of times during the pre-season.

'But I'm happy to accept the responsibility.

'I think it's a good chance for me and I think it will help me as well.

'It will help me mature as a player. It's giving me that responsibility of telling the other players what to do, talking to them, trying to gee them up.

'It's definitely a good opportunity for me and a bit of recognition, if you like.

'The captaincy means a lot to me because I love the club – I've been here seven years.

'I love doing it to be honest. I've been with this club since I was little and it's a privilege, it really is.

'I do a lot of talking and have been getting a sore throat shouting too many times! But it's all good and I'd love to keep it for the Coventry game.

'I just hope the players listen to what I am saying.'

Wilson grabbed the match-winner against Fulham during unquestionably Pompey's best performance of the pre-season.

Buoyed by the return of the likes of Kanu, John Utaka and Prince Boateng – plus Ibrahima Sonko's debut – it was a timely shot in the arm ahead of the trip to Coventry.

And Wilson is looking for Pompey to carry that form into the season ahead.

He added: 'I think that Fulham performance was probably the best of the pre-season, especially as it was against Premier League opposition.

'Fulham are a good team, they did really well last year and had a strong team out.

'We always knew it was going to be a difficult game – so to get the result was even better.

'To be honest, the trip to America took it out of the lads a little bit with all the travelling.

'Even when we came back we were jet-lagged for a long time, especially for the Bournemouth game when the lads were still struggling with it.

'I think we are now all getting back and that showed against Fulham.

'I'm looking forward to the start of the season now.

'There are some tough games ahead and we have to be ready for them.'

Ireland defeat IFA attempts to block players

The IFA have lost their case with the Court Of Arbitration For Sport in which they were trying to prevent Irish players born in the North Of Ireland from representing Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland at international level. Despite FIFA making a number of rulings in favour of players like Derry’s Darron Gibson and Antrim’s Marc Wilson, the IFA took their case to CAS in a last ditch attempt to block Irish citizens from representing their country.

The Football Association of Ireland today (July 30) confirmed that it has won the case taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by the IFA in relation to Daniel Kearns.

The landmark ruling vindicates the FAI and FIFA position that players born within the island of Ireland are eligible to play for FAI international teams and provides complete and final clarity on the matter.

The Football Association of Ireland delegation which attended the hearing on July 19 in Switzerland was composed of John Delaney, CEO, Michael Cody, Honorary Secretary and Sarah O’Shea, Legal Director. The FAI was represented by Paul Gardiner SC and David Casserly BL. Daniel Kearns was represented by Gary Rice of Beauchamps.


The FAI thanks the many bodies which assisted it in this case including the Irish Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, FIFA, UEFA, numerous elected representatives throughout the island of Ireland and many others.

The ruling comes into force with immediate effect and under the terms of the ruling, the IFA will pay all related costs. The FAI would like to take the opportunity to highlight that it has in recent years had good relations with the IFA. Those were maintained throughout this case and will continue into the future.

Welcoming the ruling, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said;

“Today’s landmark decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirms the FIFA and FAI position on player eligibility. The ruling upholds the right of individual choice on this matter for players born north of the border. I would like to thank the many people from all parts of the island who were strongly supportive during this process, and in particular, recognise the determination of Daniel Kearns and his family to uphold his right as an Irish citizen to play for his country.”

Ireland squad named for Argentina friendly

Giovanni Trapattoni has named a 28 man squad to take on Argentina in the first international football match in the Aviva Stadium on August 11.











Ireland v Argentina 11th August 2010

Shay Given
Keiren Westwood
Joe Murphy

John O’Shea
Richard Dunne
Sean St Ledger
Greg Cunningham
Kevin Foley
Marc Wilson
Stephen Kelly
Paul McShane
Darren O’Dea
Kevin Kilbane

Keith Andrews
Glenn Whelan
Darron Gibson
Paul Green
Liam Lawrence
Aiden McGeady
Andy Keogh
Damien Duff
Keith Fahey
Keith Treacy

Cillian Sheridan
Robbie Keane
Kevin Doyle
Caleb Folan
Shane Long

Wilson tipped for big future

Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown is tipping surprise-package Marc Wilson for big, big things after his impressive maiden Pompey campaign.

The 22-year-old was thrown into Paul Hart's side at the start of the season following a flood of top-name departures.

No player has started more Premier League games for the Blues this season than Wilson.

It's testament to the prodigious talent of a player whose very first-team presence has come under intense scrutiny from fans at times.

Nonetheless, after playing much of the season in central defence, Wilson has gone on to establish himself as a holding midfielder - his preferred position - and become an outstanding performer.

Wilson is set to return to the Blues' line-up against Wolves on Saturday after being rested on the bench at Bolton.

And Brown regards the Irishman as one of the successes of the season.

He said: 'If Marc keeps on the right track he has a good chance of being a good Premier League player.

'You look at him and he is only 22 and has got a bit of everything.

'He has a bit of pace, has got that bit of grit about him, possesses composure on the ball, has long-range passing and he can play in several positions. People talk about his best role in the team, but I think Marc's good either way.

'He might prefer midfield but I think he'll do a job at centre half as well. He's got that versatility.

'He's got better for sure. It's difficult as well for someone to do particularly well and shine in a team which has not got results.

‘we have lost games, but people have noticed Marc and noticed what a good, young player he is.

‘I think everything has been put on the back burner with regards to the usual players' player of the year event.

‘But I would certainly think about Marc.'

Wilson's great progress for Pompey this season earned him his maiden Ireland call-up in February and he has attracted interest from Sunderland and Fulham, and both have been linked with close-season swoops.

With Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou looking to cash in on some of the Blues' most bankable assets during the summer to keep the club afloat, the sale of Wilson may well be an attractive proposition.

And Brown is anticipating plenty more interest in the rising star.

He added: ‘I think there will be some clubs in for him in the summer willing to pay decent money.

‘We'll just have to see what happens, it's out of our control.

‘But I am sure there will be other clubs willing to take him.'

Trapattoni names 23 man squad for Ireland training camp

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a list of 23 players, including eight uncapped players, who will take part in a summer training camp in Malahide from 16 to 21 May.

Former League of Ireland stars Brian Murphy and Keith Fahey are both included in the squad, as are Sunderland's David Meyler, Derby County's Paul Green and Portsmouth's County Antrim born defender Marc Wilson .

Everton's Derry born defender Shane Duffy, and Wolves duo Kevin Foley and Stephen Ward make up the uncapped contingent.

Giovanni Trapattoni said: 'Training camps are useful for preparation as was proven by the one we held prior to our World Cup qualifying campaign.

'I look forward to working with these new players and learning firsthand what they have to offer as we begin to prepare for the European Championship qualifiers.'

Remaining squad members will join the camp on May 22 to prepare for the forthcoming pair of friendlies against Paraguay and Algeria on May 25 and 28 respectively in the RDS (kick off 7.45pm).

Ireland training camp squad: Keiren Westwood, Joe Murphy, Brian Murphy, Stephen Kelly, Eddie Nolan, Paul McShane, Shane Duffy, Kevin Foley, Stephen Ward, Marc Wilson, Darren O'Dea, Keith Treacy, Darron Gibson, Andy Keogh, James McCarthy, Liam Lawrence, David Meyler, Keith Fahey, Paul Green, Caleb Folan, Leon Best, Shane Long, Anthony Stokes

Marc Wilson looks forward to cup final

Ireland international Marc Wilson insisted Portsmouth's victory over Spurs will provide the team with inspiration when they face Chelsea in the Cup final.

Avram Grant's side sprung a major surprise as they delivered a big upset to knock out Harry Redknapp's men at Wembley on Sunday.

Pompey battled their way through to the final with a display of grit and heart.

County Antrim born Wilson felt the match proved to be a nip-and-tuck affair, before his side took the lead in extra-time through Frederic Piquionne.

They doubled their advantage through a Prince Boateng penalty to seal a win which will go down in Fratton folklore.

Wilson's side now have an even bigger task in the final when they face Chelsea.

But the Irishman believes yesterday's triumph can provide inspiration for another unlikely success.

Wilson said: 'I don't think there was a lot between the teams.

'Tottenham are a great side with great players.

'I think we just nicked the goal at the right time and that was good for us.

'Chelsea are a great team. They are one of the best teams in England, if not the best. We don't care who we'll face. We are just delighted that we have made it this far.

'We have to carry on in the same way we have been going so far. It's been a fantastic run.

'Chelsea are a good side, but so are Spurs – and no-one gave us a chance of beating them.'

Wilson explained there were riotous scenes in the Pompey dressing room after yesterday's win.

He said: 'The lads are buzzing. It was a brilliant atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards. It was definitely a bit lively.

'I was really pleased for the lads and delighted to get the result.

'It's a huge achievement to get to the final.'