Time running out for Kevin Foley
Tuesday 25th May 2010, 9:25AM BST.
Wolves utility man Kevin Foley admits time is running out for him to make a breakthrough at international level after missing out on a start again.
Foley is just nine games short of 300 at club level and yet is hoping for only his second full cap for the Republic of Ireland in tonight’s Dublin friendly against Paraguay.
But the 25-year-old will have to do it from the bench after being overlooked by Fulham’s Stephen Kelly at right-back, while Stoke’s Liam Lawrence plays wide right in a 4-4-2 formation which sees Wolves’ £6.5million record signing Kevin Doyle partner former Molineux golden boy Robbie Keane up front.
Ex-Wolves man Keith Andrews joins Stoke’s Glenn Whelan in central midfield.
Foley has been in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the last 18 months but has only appeared once, in a 1-1 draw with Nigeria at Fulham a year ago.
The former Luton man reckons he needs to make a real breakthrough soon.
He said: “I’ve only played for Ireland once, so one of my aims for the future is to get a few more caps and make my way into the team rather than just the squad.
“The Irish team is quite an experienced side and I’m sure they’re always looking to get new players in, but I wouldn’t class myself as a young player any more.
“I’ve got a bit of experience and I’d like to think I could use it to my advantage.”
After making his name as a right-back, Foley played mainly as an attacking wide right midfielder for Wolves in the Premier League last season.
The versatile player reckons Trapattoni’s preference for similar wide midfielders in a 4-5-1 formation would suit him.
He said: “In Ireland they want their right midfielders and left midfielders to swap back in as second full-back and I think that would suit me quite well.”
But Foley is fully aware of the intense competition.
He said: “John O’Shea was a regular at right-back the season before last and the Ireland manager thought he was better there, while Sean St Ledger had a good season and he’s good on the ball.”
UK Sport
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