Connolly pleads for Republic recall

WIGAN striker David Connolly has urged Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr to end two years of personal hurt and recall him to the international fold.

Despite 40 caps to his name, Connolly has not played for Ireland since the country’s devastating 2-0 European Championship qualifying defeat by Switzerland in October 2003.

Connolly effectively became one of the fall guys for the Republic’s failure to reach the finals in Portugal, earning his last call-up just under a year ago, only to withdraw through injury.

Ironically, with Ireland in a desperate position with regard to their World Cup qualifying hopes, Connolly is the Republic’s most in-form forward.

His equaliser, in what was not only his Wigan but also his Premiership debut, means he has scored five goals in six matches this season.

Kerr goes into next month’s must-win game against Cyprus without the suspended Clinton Morrison, while all-time top scorer Robbie Keane is without a goal this season and a bit-part player at Spurs.

Sunderland’s Stephen Elliott is an emerging talent, but has only four caps and hasn’t scored since April.

Although overlooked by Kerr for some time, Connolly is willing to answer a call to arms.

“I don’t know why I’ve not played for two years. The players are there, and I did pull out of one squad with an injury. I don’t think the manager was too happy with that, and since then I’ve not been in.

“That could be because I was playing at a lower level, plus we’ve good players, so the call hasn’t come. But I will just carry on doing my best.

“I’ve not spoken to the manager for a while now, but I watched Wednesday’s game against France in a pub, and I was willing them on.

“It would be nice if I got a call, although I won’t be expecting it. We will wait and see, but whether I get back in or not, I hope we qualify.”

Wigan manager Paul Jewell certainly feels he has signed a quality player, with Connolly hauling the Latics back into the game with a superb 15-yard strike in the 40th minute.

That cancelled out Jonathan Greening’s opener, the midfielder scoring his first goal for the Baggies on his 42nd appearance, and his first for 19 months since his days with Middlesbrough.

Jewell said: “I thought David was excellent, in particular his movement. He was alert, bright, worked hard and was a threat all afternoon.

“He’s played at international level, although not in the Premiership, but he’s a hungry boy and he wants to do well, he wants to work and to learn and I’m sure he will be a good acquisition for us.”

Connolly is confident of making an impression, and hopes Wigan can stay in the top flight.

“I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen so far, and they are a good, honest bunch of lads. If they continue to create chances like that, and it was a great ball from Damien Francis, then that is all you can ask for as a striker - and long may it continue.

“We’ll still be odds-on favourites to go down, but if you don’t believe you won’t achieve, and we’re not in fear or awe of anybody.

“Yes, give teams respect, but as long we go out and play our game, I’m sure we’ll be okay,” he said.