MARK Yeates has been Colchester United's star performer this season, and now he has a chance to shine for his country.The U's flying winger has been selected for the Republic of Ireland “B” squad to face Scotland in a friendly fixture at Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium on Tuesday, November 20.

By Carl Marston

MARK Yeates has been Colchester United's star performer this season, and now he has a chance to shine for his country.

The U's flying winger has been selected for the Republic of Ireland “B” squad to face Scotland in a friendly fixture at Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium on Tuesday, November 20.

It's no more than Yeates has deserved for a string of scintillating performances in the Championship. The Dubliner is the U's top scorer with seven goals, and that total does not include his deflected shot at Southampton which has been credited as a Rudi Skacel own goal.

“I'm delighted to have been selected, although I haven't had any official confirmation yet,” revealed Yeates last night.

“I'm very proud when I play for my country. I've made a few appearances for the under-21s, and I knew that there was a “B” international coming up.

“It was thought that a few newcomers might get an opportunity, so I hoped that I'd get the sniff of a chance.

“Obviously it's great that my performances for Colchester have been recognised this season. The Championship is a really strong league. It's a decent level of football, and it gets a lot of coverage.

“It's just a step down from the Premier League, and there's been a few people come along to watch me. It's nice to be noticed,” added Yeates.

In fact, Yeates is one of 10 Championship players to be included in the 18-man Republic of Ireland “B” squad. The Ipswich Town duo of Alex Bruce and Jon Walters have also been named. Yeates, 22, made four appearances for the under-21s.

First of all, though, Yeates is concentrating on tomorrow's tough trip to league leaders Watford.

“It's going to be one of our hardest games of the season, but we have tended to do well against the bigger clubs this season,” insisted Yeates.

“We beat West Brom (3-2) and I think that we would have beaten Charlton (2-2 draw) if we had not had a player (Matthew Connolly) sent off.

“I'm confident of us getting a result at Watford,” concluded Yeates, who has been ever-present for the U's this season.

Tomorrow's trip to Vicarage Road is the U's last game before the two-week break for internationals. Teddy Sheringham will complete his three-match suspension, while fellow striker Jamie Guy (tight hamstring) and keeper Aidan Davison (shoulder injury) remain doubtful.