Colgan named in Republic of Ireland squad

Last updated : 12 August 2004 By Mad Tyke

Reds keeper Nick Colgan has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for next week's friendly against Bulgaria at Lansdowne Road.

Nick told the official Barnsley FC website: "I am highly delighted to be called into the squad. People may come out and say that it is a meaningless friendly because it is so early in the season and the Premier League only go back this weekend but for that is not the case for the players involved.

"It is always nice to be called up to play for your country and I am delighted and proud. My bread and butter is here at Barnsley and I want to do as well as I can so nothing changes on that front just because I am going away with my country.

"Brian Kerr has stuck with me through some hard times at Hibs so with me playing week in, week out, it will have been a massive boost. I am playing regular first team football and that is a lot better than the situation I was in last season so I am sure Brian has kept an eye on me. I am sure he is delighted that I am at a club that will be challenging to get out of this division.

"I will be here for the Luton game on Saturday and then either fly over to Ireland on Saturday night or Sunday morning. The itinerary says that we will train on Sunday but hopefully we will be let off with a game of golf in Portmarnoch. We will train Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before the game".