Source: Team_Talk
Andrews on verge of Ireland start
The 28-year-old Blackburn midfielder could be the man to answer manager Giovanni Trapattoni's problem in the middle of the field at Croke Park on Wednesday, with club-mate Steven Reid injured and Sunderland's Andy Reid out of favour.[LNB]Trapattoni paired Manchester United youngster Darron Gibson with regular Glenn Whelan for both the 1-0 Group Eight victory over Cyprus in October and the 3-2 friendly defeat by Poland the following month.[LNB]But having forced himself into Rovers side on a sustained basis since making his international debut - and scoring - as a substitute against the Poles, Andrews has put himself firmly in the frame for a first start against Georgia.[LNB]That would represent another milestone on a fairytale route which has taken the Dubliner from League Two football with MK Dons to the big stage in the space of less than a year.[LNB]Andrews said: "The last year, year-and-a-half has gone better than I could have imagined - starting off where I was and to get my move, and then the international chance came.[LNB]"I have managed to do okay in the time I have been with the Ireland team in terms of training and minutes on the pitch - so if I do get the chance, I will be over the moon.[LNB]"First and foremost, I am delighted to be involved in the squad. It's something I have always wanted throughout my career - and thankfully, the manager sees something in me he likes.[LNB]"I hope I can keep going and pushing it - and see where it brings me."[LNB]Andrews' recognition at international level has come after a run of 15 successive Premier League starts for Rovers.[LNB]Significantly, he has started every league game under new boss Sam Allardyce - and tasted defeat for the first time on Saturday when high-flying Aston Villa won 2-0 at Ewood Park.[LNB]He admits he wondered what the future might hold for him when Paul Ince, the man who took him to Blackburn after working with him at MK Dons, was shown the door in December.[LNB]However, he need not have worried.[LNB]Andrews said: "Just playing week in week out gives you confidence. But when a new manager comes in, there's always that doubt about whether he is going to like you because the previous manager did sign me.[LNB]"But I have been managing to keep some very good players out of the team, and that gives you confidence as well.[LNB]"Since the last time we met up, I have started every Premier League game.[LNB]"There have been a few ups and downs at the club in terms of management - but with the new manager coming in, I have managed to keep my place and do reasonably well."[LNB][LNB]
