Staunton won't give up fight for Nolan
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton is hoping to cut through a mountain of red tape in a bid to lure Kevin Nolan into the fold.
Staunton and Bolton captain Nolan have discussed on several occasions the prospect of the midfielder pulling on the green of Ireland.
The 24-year-old still harbours hopes of playing for England, yet Nolan knows that is a tall order with Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick ahead of him in the pecking order.
Towards the end of last season there was talk of Nolan breaking into the squad, yet despite his best season for Bolton, scoring 11 goals and taking up the skipper’s armband, he was overlooked.
Staunton is eager to recruit a player of Nolan’s calibre, yet there remain obstacles, even though he qualifies to play for the Republic because of the grandparents ruling.
Nolan has previously played for England at U21 level, albeit in a friendly, and featured in a competitive game for the U18s.
There is a precedent as Everton’s Tim Cahill played for Samoa at youth level, yet now represents Australia after lodging a successful appeal with FIFA.
Staunton is not giving up just yet as he said: “There’s a lot of issues surrounding this one.
“Once we cut through the red tape then we will know where we are and I cannot say much more than that.”
