Forty Five Minutes for Keiren & Leon To Start

Last updated : 29 May 2009 By Covsupport News Service
Keiren Westwood is to get the second half of the Republic Of Ireland's friendly against Nigeria on Firday night.

Shay Given will have the first half with the Coventry City keeper getting the second.



The news of this did not go down too well with former Coventry City keeper Dean Kiely. The West Brom custodian asked to go and see his family and has left the squad according to media reports.

According to The Guardian, Giovanni Trapattoni said: "There was some disappointment for Dean Kiely, I said to him that this was a good opportunity during the game to take a look at Westwood," said Trapattoni. "He asked me if it was OK that he go and meet his family and I said OK. It would be better if he had stayed with us but he wished to go. Will he be back for Bulgaria? We have other opportunities and I cannot say today what we think about that. We have other players and options, so no problem.

"Kiely said that he was a little bit disappointed because he thought that I clarified to him that I would give him an opportunity like the one that I will give to Sean St Ledger and Eddie Nolan. Kiely played three friendly games with us and it's important that the coach can see other players in case there are injuries. I am a bit disappointed [in Kiely] but I don't understand why because I have to respect the young players. I do not say whether Westwood is my No2 goalkeeper now. I might have to call up another goalkeeper for the Bulgaria game."

Leon Best will start the game at Craven Cottage which can be seen live on Setanta Sports and both players will earn their first cap for the Republic Of Ireland.

"It's good that you can turn a broken cheekbone into a positive thing," Best said said to the Independent. "I'd love to be a superhero for Ireland now. I'm just delighted to be playing with the likes of Robbie Keane and learn off players like that."

"This season has been up and down for me. "I had a good spell in the cup and the period when I had the mask on. Towards the end it was upsetting with injuries. So for me to get called up is something I see as a blessing and I'm over the moon with it.

"The only thing I can do is take it in my stride. I can't think about it too much because it's the highest level and nerves would kick in. Hopefully everything will go my way."

"My Mum is full Irish and I lived there between eight and 12," Best added. "I went to school and played for teams there. Most of my family are from Ireland and my brother lives there with three nephews."