Green Set For Ireland Start

Paul Green is expected to make his first international start for the Republic of Ireland as they take on Algeria in Dublin later today after gaining his first cap as a second-half substitute against Paraguay on Tuesday night. Green looks set to replace Keith Andrews in the starting line-up against England’s World Cup opponents and will partner Glenn Whelan in the middle of the park. Green told the Derby Evening Telegraph:

‘To come on and make my international debut against Paraguay was definitely a proud moment for me and my family. Hopefully, I can get more time on the pitch against Algeria to show what I am all about.’

Green was initially called for a week long training camp but impressed manager Giovanni Trappatoni in a practice match and was named amongst the substitutes for the Paraguay match and came on for the last twenty minutes of the 2-1 victory against another side shortly headed for South Africa. The Yorkshire born midfielder qualifies to play for Ireland through his grandparents added:

‘It’s been fantastic, I just thought I was going to be part of the training squad but I must have done something right in the games that we played to be kept on.’

‘I’ve also had a few calls and texts to congratulate me. Sav and Ports texted me to say well done and that I deserved it, which was nice of them.’