Sport

Stearman opts to join Republic

WOLVES defender richard Stearman could be available to republic of ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni next season. it is understood that the fai is in the process of completing the paperwork which will make the former england u21 international eligible for selection. Stearman (below), who qualifies through his maternal grandparents, has previously spoken of his hope of winning senior international recognition with ireland.

The 25-year-old said: "It's in the process at the moment. i am gaining a passport and citizenship and hopefully that will be not far around the corner. "All my family on my mother's side are irish and i am looking to get on the international scene."

Trapattoni has cast the net wide in recent seasons in an attempt to increase the pool of players from which he can select.