Kinsella talking Turkey over Ireland recall

Mark Kinsella is aiming to use tonight’s friendly against Turkey to persuade manager Brian Kerr to restore him to the Republic of Ireland midfield for next month’s decisive Euro 2004 Group 10 qualifier in Switzerland.

The Aston Villa midfielder lost his place in the centre of midfield to Celtic’s Colin Healy when Ireland drew 1-1 with Russia on Saturday.

Kinsella will start against Turkey at Lansdowne Road, however, and is determined to grab his chance with both hands.

“I want to go out and play well and hopefully push for a place in the team for the next game,” said Kinsella.

“When Brian told me the team for Saturday I was disappointed but got on with it and fortunately for me there were injuries to other players which mean I have got the nod.

“I want to go to Switzerland and play but so do the 23 other players who were in this squad.”

Kerr praised the 31-year-old’s attitude and is pleased Kinsella appears to be forcing his way back into David O’Leary’s plans at Villa Park.

“Mark has been in the group a long time and he’s very professional,” said Kerr.

“When I told him he wasn’t in the side on Saturday he took the decision like the professional that he is and was supportive of what we were trying to do and he was constantly reminding other players of their roles and duties.

“It’s unfortunate that he hasn’t been playing as much in the last year as we would like him to, and he would like to, but we’re not in control of that decision.

“David O’Leary has given him a bit of a go and he appears to be nearer the action than he was last year – but he’s certainly in the action with us.”

Kerr will use this match for experimental purposes only but insisted it would give his fringe players a chance to stake their claim for the match in Basel on October 11.

“It’s important for the lads, particularly those who didn’t play on Saturday, because they will want to do well,” said Kerr. “I’d like for us to win the match to keep our unbeaten run going and our morale high.

“I think my players have recovered from their disappointment of having failed to win on Saturday and now they can focus on Turkey and the fact they are leading their group and that they are highly respected.

“There’s every chance for the people who didn’t start against Russia to play themselves into the team for Switzerland between now and then, in tonight’s match and over the next few weeks in their club football.

“There’ll be five or six changes in our team and we’ve always picked our squads on the basis of what the players have been doing for their clubs and in training with us.

“There were plenty of close calls for the Russia match and you are looking for the little nuances that help to make up your mind.”