Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington is hopeful of gaining international clearance to represent the Republic of Ireland next year.

The 24-year-old played for the under-21s in October 2008, and was watched last weekend by current assistant manager Marco Tardelli.

Pilkington continued his good goalscoring form to set Norwich on their way against the Latics.

He said: "I have had a call off them [FAI] and I am just sorting out the papers at the moment.

"It depends what happens with the next game, which I think is February. I've just got to sort the papers out and take it from there.

"My grandma originates from Ireland - she's from Dublin - so I am more than happy to play for them if selected."

"He is technically excellent and he is very physical" - Giovanni Trapattoni

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed he was keeping an eye on the Canaries player.

He told the Irish Examiner: "I can say with certainty that he is very interested to play for us.

"He is honoured with the interest and the paperwork is being processed at the moment. Who knows, we might be able to see him in early February."

"He is a very particular type of player. He is technically excellent and he is very physical. He is at ease playing both off his left and right foot. He is young and very aggressive with the ball."