Wes Makes The Most Of Chance

Finally, Giovanni Trapattoni has seen the light and given Wes Hoolahan some game time (28 mins anyway) and he reaped the reward.

Wes won only his third cap for the ROI (criminal) against Poland last night and scored his first goal in the Republic's 2 nil win.

The ROI were ahead, arguably against the run of play when Ciaran Clark scored in the first half.

It wasn't until the 62nd minute though that Trap replaced Shane Long with Hoolahan, giving Wes more of a chance to show what he can do.

After the ROI's appaling display in the Euro finals, public calls were made for the old Italian to try some different players and he seems to have got the message.

If not injured, I am sure that our own Pilkington would also have seen some game time. Wes showed what he can do in the 76th minute when he chested down Hendrick's cross and drilled his shot in at the far post - a sublime finish and one that prompted Trapattoni to admit that he would definitely consider Hoolahan in the future.

"In the past, I have been asked many questions about Hoolahan and I said we knew him very well," said Trapattoni. "He is not old, but we wanted to look at the new players, young players like James McCarthy.

"Hoolahan, we have seen many times and I have said many times to Marco, it`s a pity. But maybe we have overlooked him because in every game we have seen him play for his club, he has played very well in this position.

"In the future, we will consider this. International football is not the same as club football, it`s not easy, but he is a good option."

About time too!

Understandably Wes was very pleased -
"It was amazing - to score for your country is one of the proudest things I`ve done so it`s a great occasion," said Hoolahan. "I`ve waited a while to get my chance but all I can do is my best when I`m called upon and prove what I can do."

I hope that's the first of many goals, Wes!

OTBC