Cunningham handed international shot

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has called upon Greg Cunningham to prove he is the natural successor to Kevin Kilbane.

Cunningham, currently playing at City on loan from Manchester City, is set to win his third international cap this evening against Norway with first choice regular Kilbane out nursing a back injury.

Trapattoni has been in contact with Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson about the youngster and is keen to see what the 19-year-old is made of once again.

"I tried him against Paraguay and he played well, and I like his personality," he said.

"He is a good footballer. When he has the ball, he immediately sees the pass, and he has good personality.

"Sure, we are missing Kilbane, but slowly, slowly, we have to look at other players and their strengths and I am sure he can play well because he has good character."

Cunningham has been a permanent fixture of the Leicester side since joining on a short-term deal from Eastlands, starting in every one of his five appearances for the club.

The youngster has impressed during his spell at the club, and will naturally be eager to catch the eye of Trapattoni once again this evening with Kilbane's days at international level numbered.

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