Richard Stearman eyes Republic Of Ireland call-up

RICHARD Stearman could be close to being in contention for a Republic of Ireland call-up, despite being born in Wolverhampton.

The 24-year-old Wolves loan defender is eligible through his mother’s family and, providing clearance arrives in time, could be in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the qualifiers in Sweden and at home to Austria, at the end of next month

Should he represent the Republic as an Ipswich player, Stearman will follow the likes of Dermot Curtis, Matt Holland, Damien Delaney and Kevin O’Callaghan who went before him.

“It’s in the process at the moment, I am gaining a passport and citizenship and hopefully that will be not far around the corner,” said former England Under-21 star, Stearman.

“All my family on my mother’s side are Irish and I am looking to get on the international scene.”

Meanwhile, Stearman has welcomed the chance to move to Portman Road and is prepared to fit in either at right-back or centre-half, between now and the end of the season.

“Towards the latter stages of my career, maybe I would like to nail down a position in the centre of defence but, I am adept at both,” he said.

“At the minute, I am happy to be out there playing in whatever position I am needed for Ipswich Town.”