Pennant: My Irish Grandfather

Jermaine Pennant has staked a claim for a chance to play for the Irish Republic after revealing that his Grandfather is Irish.

The Stoke player played for the England U21 team in his youth, but has never had a chance with the full squad. Now that he’s 28 he seems to have written off any chance of a phone call from Capello and has now contacted the Irish FA to let them know that he’s available if they’re interested.

Jermaine revealed his Irish roots at last night’s supporters’ meeting at the Brit: ‘I’m 28, I’m not getting any younger and I’d like to play international football. Who is to say that Ireland can’t get to the next World Cup? If I could be a part of that with Ireland, that would be great. If I’ve got a chance to play international football with Ireland, I’m going to take it with both hands. They’ve asked previously and I said ‘I want to try and play for England, but I never closed the door on it.’

If he is selected, he’ll join team-mates Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan who are already in the current Irish squad.