Green all out to seize golden opportunity

Paul Green believes there will be nothing friendly about the Republic of Ireland’s forthcoming games as players are fighting for their future.

Martin O’Neill’s team will kick off a four-game summer tour against Turkey at Aviva Stadium on Sunday with the manager keen to assess his options.

With an eye on the rapidly approaching Euro 2016 qualifiers, the 62-year-old is eager to work closely with his 29-man squad and expects them to stand out.

Green, who has been capped 20 times, views it as a golden opportunity and wants to impress in the games against Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica and Portugal. The 31-year-old caught the eye last November against Poland, but now he is eyeing a regular midfield spot – especially with Everton’s James McCarthy absent.

“I played the full game out in Poland and felt that I did okay. But the manager is still assessing all of the lads and has used the friendly games to give people a chance and I reckon he’ll do the same this summer,” said Green.

“Obviously you want to be part of his plans and to impress when you do get that opportunity. Every time you put that green shirt on is an honour, all the lads are fighting for it now.

“There is so much competition in the squad, which is a good thing for everyone, but it means that these friendly games are even more important if you want to stake a claim going into the Euro qualifiers.

“You never really feel your place in the squad is guaranteed, it’s all about how you perform for your club, what you do in training, and then if you play well in the games. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

After finishing the recent season on loan at Ipswich Town – where he scored twice in 14 games – Green has rekindled his best form in the middle of the pitch. However, he was released by Leeds boss Brian McDermott last week and has yet to wrap up a permanent move to Ipswich. But he is putting country before club.

“The manager [McDermott] had his ideas and I wasn’t part of them. So it was up to me to get out and play football because I have to be playing regularly to stay involved with the international squad,” said Green.

“I think it was the right move to go to Ipswich at the time. Mick [McCarthy] was a big part of that because he is so positive and a straight talker – you always know where you stand with him. It’s a great place in Ipswich and it feels like home as I settled in pretty quick.

“I’ll have to look at things during the summer, but there are a few games for Ireland that I want to get through first.”

Green is aware of the competition for places, , but he’s up for the fight.