Folan remains an option for Ireland

Soccer:Caleb Folan's decision to ply his trade in the relative obscurity of the MLS does not appear to have damaged his international prospects with Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli making it clear this afternoon the striker remains very much a part of Irish plans.

When Folan, who might have added to his meagre tally of seven caps were it not for a series of injuries over the years, left Hull for the Colorado Rapids last month, many assumed the 28-year-old’s international opportunities would suffer as a consequence.

But, with Kevin Doyle unlikely to play again this season after breaking down against Macedonia and Leon Best already ruled out, Tardelli revealed Folan could make the trip to Skopje for the return Euro 2012 qualifier in June.

Folan has long been seen as a favourite of manager Giovanni Trapattoni who has regularly talked up the former Hull and Chesterfield frontman. And while Shane Long is the obvious frontrunner to partner Robbie Keane in Skopje, with Jon Walters another option for an Irish management team that continues to hold Folan in high regard.

While Tardelli, speaking at the launch of a new national five-a-side tournament www.5s.ie, said he hoped Doyle could return in time for the Skopje trip he was also quick to identify Folan as a possible replacement.

“(Caleb) Folan, maybe, because Folan now plays in America, the USA, and he's fit,” Tardelli said when asked who might come in for Doyle. “I saw the match when he scored two goals (against DC United). We have an opportunity for the players during the Carling Cup. We will try new players in these two games - the players who didn't play so much. I hope for Kevin, for next season, I hope also for Macedonia . But I'm not sure.”

One player who should definitely be back in situ is John O’Shea, the Waterford man’s return providing a welcome boost given the suspension Richard Dunne picked up in the last match.

“We are very happy if he will be with us,” Tardelli added. “We have a big problem with Dunne, he is out and we need John O'Shea and I saw the match against Chelsea. He played very well. We are happy that he will be with us against Macedonia . Now we have a very young defence. We played against Macedonia with (Kevin) Foley, with (Darren) O'Dea, with (Keiren) Westwood, and we need the man with experience.”

The news on Manchester City’s Shay Given was not quite so clear, however, with the Italian admitting he was unsure if the goalkeeper would be available for selection, having received no update as yet from either the player or the club.

“I think, I hope for Shay Given's sake, he will be back,” Tardelli said, “I think Shay, he working very hard to come back with us.”