Pilkington wants to play for Ireland

In-form Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington has confirmed he wants to play for the Republic of Ireland.

There had been concern that the Blackburn-born winger could yet declare for England but last week Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni claimed Pilkington is “very interested’’ in representing the Republic.

Pilkington was watched by Trapattoni’s assistant Marco Tardelli in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Wigan, a match where the 24-year-old scored a goal a made a goal for Wes Hoolahan.