REPUBLIC OF IRELAND coach Giovanni Trapattoni has hinted Wes Hoolahan may start against Faroe Islands after a good game at home to Georgia.

Hoolahan, who has played 66 English Premier League matches over the past two seasons as one of Norwich City’s key players, made just his fourth international appearance in Ireland’s 4-0 thumping of Georgia on Sunday.

Irish fans have been calling for Trapattoni to use the 31-year-old attacking midfielder more often and, after a strong performance in central midfield alongside James McCarthy, the 74-year-old Italian has conceded he is warming to the idea.

“Wes, we know Wes,” Trapattoni said.

“It was important to see him in midfield with McCarthy and how he handled the situation physically.

“It was clear also he gave two or three very important passes.

“We can trust him for the future.”

Trapattoni will consider Hoolahan for a starting position in his side’s World Cup qualifier against Faroe Islands on Friday, while he reserved special praise for McCarthy after the 22-year-old Wigan man anchored the home team’s midfield.

“James McCarthy improved again and played very, very well today,” Trapattoni said.

“I give him my congratulations because he played with personality.

“It is a good result for the future.

“It gives us more concrete possibilities.

“The team can achieve against the Faroes and we will see in the friendly against Spain in the future when I can evaluate more.”

Ireland sit fourth in Group C of UEFA’s World Cup qualifying and need to win against Faroe Islands to ensure they at least keep in touch with Austria and Sweden, who will play each other on Friday.

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