Pulis backs Pennant's Republic claims

Stoke boss Tony Pulis says he would be happy for Jermaine Pennant to represent the Republic of Ireland – but has reiterated his belief that national associations should be required to pay players’ wages for international friendlies.

Potters winger Pennant, who played for England under-21s but has never won a senior cap, is looking into the possibility of joining up with Giovanni Trapattoni’s Irish squad after revealing he is eligible through his grandfather.