Lennie tells Kerr to look at Boland

Last updated : 27 February 2004 By Michael Morris

"I get on well with Brian Kerr and I'm going to call him and tell him Willie is worth a shot," Lawrence told the Western Mail.

"I told him about Kav and he ended up calling him back into the Irish squad, so I think he trusts me enough to consider my view.

"I think Willie deserves a call-up, but I can only recommend him to Brian.

"I don't know what Willie's profile is like in Ireland. Kav got back into the squad, but he is well-known over there."

Boland in the past has played for the U21's and a B level. The Republics next game is against the Czech Republic at the end of March.

"Willie will be proud to get an Irish call-up, but I don't think he's waiting by the telephone at home for it," Lawrence continued.

"Ireland have got quite a few midfielders like Matt Holland, Mark Kinsella, Kevin Kilbane and Kav. For Kav, that international call-up was a massive thing, whereas I think Willie has accepted the fact he might never play for Ireland.

"I've had a chat with him about it and his view is, 'If it happens, great.' Willie has definitely improved as a player. We've managed to improve his passing - and he's nearly 29!"

"Willie is an unsung hero at Cardiff and he is as close as he has been to getting that Ireland call-up."

"It will be a proud day for everyone at Cardiff if Willie is named in the squad and I would fly over to Dublin hoping to see him make his debut."