Kilbane plots international future with the Republic of Ireland

01 September 2010 15:30

Kevin Kilbane has put thoughts of international retirement to one side as he plots a final adventure with the Republic of Ireland.

The 33-year-old defender did seriously consider calling it a day for his country after their heartbreaking World Cup play-off exit in France in November last year. However, 13 years after winning his first senior cap against Iceland, Kilbane will be back in harness in Yerevan on Friday night as the Republic attempt to open their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a victory over Armenia.

"The question was asked at the end of the last campaign about Robbie [Keane], Damien [Duff] and even John O'Shea, but they are key for us," said Kilbane. "I think they all still want to be a part of a team going to a tournament finals, and this is the chance."

The Hull defender, along with keeper Shay Given, is in line for a record 105th appearance for Ireland at the Yerevan Republic Stadium, something he admits might not have happened at one point.

He added: "We have never had a massive pool of players, but we are very much a team together.

"It would be all too easy when you are not involved in every game to walk out and say, 'I have had enough'.

"No. I will sit around and see what happens. I love it, it's the pinnacle for me.

"I spoke to my family and they made it clearer for me and I took plenty of other advice.

"If anyone thought it was time for me to go, that wasn't said and it's nice to hear that people want me to stay around."

Source: PA