March 26 2002

Clinton Morrison

Clinton Morrison will be in the starting line-up for the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday evening.

The friendly game against Denmark, which kicks off at 7.30pm, will give Morrison a big chance to impress boss Mick McCarthy before the World Cup finals in June.

McCarthy said: "It's time for Clinton to start. I'd have started him regardless of whether Duff was playing on the left or not.

"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.

"He offers different strengths, he has pace, and he's bigger than Damien or Robbie and has a natural scoring talent. 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.

"This is not a test for us, he's been one of our squad for a while now and he's fitted in very well.

"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 heard all sorts of stories about him, that he was cocky. He's not like that, he's a lovely young lad, an exciting talent with a lot of ability."

The Republic of Ireland team:

Kiely, Kelly, Cunningham, Staunton, Harte, McAteer, Holland, Kinsella, Duff, Robbie Keane, Morrison.