STOKE CITY’S Jermaine Pennant says he’d like to play for Ireland.
The former Liverpool and Arsenal wing-back revealed he qualifies for the Boys in Green through an Irish grandfather.
The ex-England Under-21 starlet says the Three Lions would be his ideal option but now realises that a senior nod is unlikely at this stage of his career.
“I’m 28, I’m not getting any younger and I’d like to play international football, whether it’s with England or Ireland,” he told BBC Radio Stoke.
“I’d love to play for England but it’s just never happened.
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“I don’t think it’s going to happen, not because of my ability, but maybe misdemeanours in the past that have put that to a halt.
“They’re looking at younger, up-and-coming talent which is great for England.”
Pennant says he has been in contact with the FAI about a possible call-up in the past.
“Who’s to say that Ireland can’t get to the next World Cup? If I could be a part of that with Ireland, that would be great. If I’ve got a chance to play international football with Ireland, I’m going to take it with both hands.
“They’ve asked previously and I said ‘I want to try and play for England’, but I never closed the door on it. I actually looked into it and texted my agent. I think he’s contacted them to say ‘he’s eligible to play and he’s interested’, so we’ll see what happens.
“Now they know that I’m interested, maybe they’ll start watching me in games. You can’t just click your fingers and say ‘pick me for the team’. You’ve got to be playing well for your club before you play for any country.”
Jermaine Pennant: come and get me, Mr Trapattoni
STOKE CITY’S Jermaine Pennant says he’d like to play for Ireland.
The former Liverpool and Arsenal wing-back revealed he qualifies for the Boys in Green through an Irish grandfather.
The ex-England Under-21 starlet says the Three Lions would be his ideal option but now realises that a senior nod is unlikely at this stage of his career.
“I’m 28, I’m not getting any younger and I’d like to play international football, whether it’s with England or Ireland,” he told BBC Radio Stoke.
“I don’t think it’s going to happen, not because of my ability, but maybe misdemeanours in the past that have put that to a halt.
“They’re looking at younger, up-and-coming talent which is great for England.”
Pennant says he has been in contact with the FAI about a possible call-up in the past.
“Who’s to say that Ireland can’t get to the next World Cup? If I could be a part of that with Ireland, that would be great. If I’ve got a chance to play international football with Ireland, I’m going to take it with both hands.
“They’ve asked previously and I said ‘I want to try and play for England’, but I never closed the door on it. I actually looked into it and texted my agent. I think he’s contacted them to say ‘he’s eligible to play and he’s interested’, so we’ll see what happens.
Listen to the interview: Jermaine Pennant – come and get me, Trap
Pennant has played 25 games for Stoke since his loan move from Real Zaragoza in August, which was made permanent during the January transfer window.
He won 24 caps for the England U-21s but failed to make the step up to the senior side.
Would you be happy to see Trap call him up?
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FAI Giovanni Trapattoni Ireland Ireland's call Jermaine Pennant