Fit St Ledger relishing rapid rise

Sean St Ledger’s whirlwind start to his international career will move up another notch if he is pitched into battle with world champions Italy tomorrow night.

The 24-year-old Middlesbrough defender has started the Republic of Ireland’s last five games and is in line to continue at Croke Park as Giovanni Trapattoni’s men attempt to snatch top spot in Group 8 from the current World Cup holders.