Town boss Roy Keane says skipper David Norris could win himself a Republic of Ireland call-up if he continues to perform at his current level. The 29-year-old says he would love to play for Ireland, having previously been close to a call in 2007 when a Plymouth player.
Keane says he’s sure the Irish management are well aware of his new captain: "I’ve enough on my plate about worrying about Giovanni Trapattoni and his scouting network, but if he’s doing his job properly, he’ll know all about David Norris. That said, Ireland have got some good midfielders.
"But Chuck will know that if he keeps performing for us, he’ll get his rewards at international level or regarding his contract.”
Stamford-born Norris qualifies for Ireland via his mother Teresa, who hails from County Kildare, and the midfielder says he would be delighted if the call were to come: "When Steve Staunton was the manager of the Republic, he contacted me and asked about my availability and whether I would be interested in playing.
"Obviously I was born in England but I have the connections through my mum's side of the family. She's Irish and has got a massive family. They all love football so if the offer was there, I certainly wouldn't turn it down.
"At the same time though, I'm not expecting anything to happen. They have got some good players and it's not something I am thinking about. If it happens it would be a bonus."
Keane says the effect of Town losing Norris to a knee ligament injury on the opening day of last season was often overlooked as a factor in the Blues' poor run at the beginning of 2009/10: "People underestimate how much we missed him last year.
"Chuck was out for four months at the start of the season and people wonder why we had such a frustrating start.
"He’s a good player Chuck and he’s accepted the captaincy,” Keane added. "Some players perform even better with that extra responsibility and that might be the case with Chuck, but let’s see how that works out. He’s enjoying it, he’s playing well again and he’s a good lad, a good character."
So far this season Norris has scored four goals in five games and has been named Man of the Match by TWTD readers in all those matches. The midfielder is also walking a disciplinary tightrope having been booked four times already.
Photo: James Ager