Soccer: Morrison handed first Ireland start
Clinton Morrison will be handed his first start for Ireland in tomorrow night’s friendly against Denmark as he bids to stake a claim for a World Cup finals place.
The 22-year-old Crystal Palace striker has won four caps, all from the bench, scoring one goal and manager Mick McCarthy wants to give him a chance from the start alongside Leeds’ Robbie Keane.
‘‘It is time Clinton started a game,’’ said McCarthy. ‘‘He has had a few cameo appearances. He came off the bench and he scored on his debut against Croatia, but it is time he played from the start.
‘‘Clinton has got pace and makes good runs into the channels. He is also strong which is good for us when Niall Quinn doesn’t play.
‘‘He needs to play and to see how he comes to terms with himself. I remember it took me 10 appearances before the penny dropped and I felt I could cope with international football and be okay and maybe it is the same for him.
‘‘He is a goalscorer, no question. If he gets a chance he has the ability to put the ball in the net.
‘‘I had heard stories that he is cocky, but he is anything but. He is a lovely guy who has fitted in exceptionally well to the squad.’’
McCarthy has handed Charlton goalkeeper Dean Kiely his sixth cap ahead of uncapped Nick Colgan of Hibernian.
Ireland: Kiely, G Kelly, Staunton (capt), Cunningham, Harte, McAteer, Holland, Kinsella, Duff, Keane, Morrison.
