Stan keen on Norris

IRELAND boss Stephen Staunton has been checking out Plymouth Argyle midfielder David Norris who could be set for an international call-up this month.

The 26-year-old was born in Stamford, Cambridgeshire, but his mother Teresa’s family all come from Kildare.

Norris is hoping Staunton picks him for Ireland’s next game against Denmark in Aarhus on August 22.

“I spoke to Steve Staunton in May and he asked me if I would like to play for Ireland. I said ‘yes I would’. I think he wanted me to go on the trip to America, but I was away at the time when he called. It was two days before they left. He just said: ‘We have got a friendly coming up in August, we will sort out all the paperwork and maybe look to call you up for that’. That’s what I have heard of it. Hopefully, I will get a call-up.”

The talented Championship player was a target for Ipswich Town but they were told that Argyle would not consider selling him.

“All of my mum’s side of the family come from Kildare, but I never really thought anything of it,” said Norris.

“To be honest, when you are coming through the lower leagues you just think international squads have all got Premiership players in them.

“But maybe I’m closer than I thought. Playing international football would be another step up for me. I would be absolutely over the moon to make my debut.”

The tough midfielder isn’t taking an international call-up for granted. He said: “I’m not assuming I’m definitely going to get a call-up. He (Staunton) knows I’m interested and might just keep an eye on me now. I’m trying not to get excited, just in case it doesn’t happen this time, but it would be nice if it did.”