Anthony Pilkington is on the offensive these past few days, what with this passport photo -
and now this syndicated interview with the FAI. It's lovebombing, John Delaney style.
Norwich 1-Spurs 1(Wednesday night) – moment of brilliance from Bale the difference between one point and three for the home side?
“Yeah, I think that's what it was. We got back to the way we normally play. Over the last couple of weeks we'd been disappointing with our performances as the results showed. But last night I think we showed everyone what we were doing before this bad run and I think we were unlucky not to take away all three points.”
As a wide man who scores goals, you an admirer of Bale?
“Yeah, definitely. He's a real talent, the way he plays and gets at people. Apart from the goal, I think we limited them to minimal chances but when you've got a player like that, it only takes a bit of quality and brilliance to hurt you.”
See yourself in a similar role, especially in light of Trap speaking about need for wingers to score goals?
“Yeah, definitely. At Norwich this year I've probably had to do a little bit more defending than maybe a winger normally does but that's to help the team. But, when I come in next week, if I get a chance to play hopefully I can nick a goal. But the main thing is to help the boys get a win.”
Defensive side of game won't do your Irish prospects any harm under Trap?
“Yeah, it's all part of the game now. You're not just an attacking player any more, you've got to help out the man behind you and do a job for the team as well as yourself. I don't mind doing that but obviously I mainly like attacking”.
You laid on pass for Wes Hoolahan goal against Spurs – nice to also have him in your first Irish squad?
“It's always nice when you know one or two faces going into a new squad. It was the same when I signed for Norwich, I knew one or two of the players and it does help. But I've spoken to Wes about the squad and he said they're great lads and it's a great set-up. I also know Sean St Ledger and one or two others from playing against them over the last two seasons.”
Sum up Hoolahan as a player?
“He's real quality. Some of the things he does with the ball and some of the situations he gets out of, his passing and dribbling – he's a really good player. The Norwich fans call him 'Wessi' down here, like Messi. He may not get as many goals but he plays in the pocket and he's really dangerous there and creates so many goals for the team. I can't speak highly enough of him – he's probably the best player I've played with up to now.”
Under 21 cap in 2008 - senior call-up seem a long time coming to you?
“Yeah, definitely. I hoped it would have been a bit sooner but obviously it wasn't to be. But I've been working hard and the manager has seen what I can do this season and hopefully I can prove that to everyone in Ireland if I get a chance on Wednesday.”
Irish connection: dad's mum from Dublin?
“Yeah, my dad's much and all that side of the family. Unfortunately, many of them have passed away now but I'm sure they'll be watching down on us.”
Came over as a kid?
“Yeah, we used to get the ferry over, my dad and my grandma would take us over when I was really young. My dad is really delighted with my call-up. Like myself, he was hoping it would come a bit sooner, maybe with a chance to play in the Euros. But that wasn't to be and to be fair to the manager , he wanted to stick with the lads who'd done really wel and got them through. But I've got the chance now and we're really delighted.”
Given dual eligibility, was declaring England ever really an option and did you think you ever close to getting a call-up?
“There were little bits and pieces in the press but I spoke to anyone from that side. People were saying why hasn't he declared for one side but I hadn't spoken either to the FAI or the English set-up. And as soon as Ireland did get in touch, that's when I made my mind up that I wanted to play for them.”
I'll just leave this here - previously
Documentation all sorted?
“Yeah, I've got the passport here in my hand now!”
In theory, could still switch allegiance before competitive game – but that's not on your agenda at all now?
“Definitely not. That's it now. I made my mind up that I wanted to play for Ireland and that's what it will be from now on.”
Chris Hughton input into decision?
“Yeah, he said it would be a good move and he talked to me a little bit about the country and about the fans and the set-up. And he congratulated me as soon as I got the news.”
Two years ago, playing for Huddersfield, you incurred a very serious injury (dislocated ankle, broken bone) – did you ever fear your whole career might be on the line?
“It was bad. It was one of those where you snap your leg in half and your foot is pointing in the other direction. I was in the ambulance and I couldn't get any feeling in the foot and the doctor said he'd need to try and crack it back into place to get the blood flowing back into my foot again. Because if you go to long without it, you can end up losing your foot. But thankfully we got to the hospital and they managed to put my foot back into place. I had the surgery and it's been fine ever since.”
And on your return to action, you found yourself a Premier League player?
“Yeah, Paul Lambert signed me for Norwich when I was actually injured and still getting my treatment and doing my rehab. And my next game after the injury was playing in the Premier League against Wigan. I'd played one or two games behind closed doors before that but my first competitive game was that one and it just felt great to be back in football after the injury. I knew I was lucky to be out there playing again, never mind in the Premier League – that was an added bonus.”
Onwards and upwards for you ever since?
“Yeah. But right from the start of my career I've always tried to better myself, every year, so hopefully the international scene is another step I can succeed at.”
Mark Bunn's Irish ambitions?
“I've not talked to him at great length about it but he was definitely considering it. I don;t know whether he's pushed it on or not just yet but I know he was thinking about it.”
Nice to be secure in your own position on transfer day?
“Yeah, I think I'll just go home now, put my feet and just watch it all happen, see who goes where and see if any names you know pop up.”
Hopes for coming week?
“First, I'm just looking forward to getting in, meeting the boys and getting settled in, meeting the staff and seeing how the whole set-up works. And if I do get to play or come on against Poland, it would be great. I can't wait.”
Finally, your assessment, coming in, of Irish squad and World Cup hopes?
“I think we've got a great chance. We've got a really good squad with new faces coming in, the likes of Wes who'll make any team better when he plays. And there's some really good young players as well as the experienced lads in there. So I think we've got the kind of squad than can challenge and hopefully we can put the performances in that will see us over the line.”
‘Anthony is expected to feature for the Republic of Ireland in the ‘Three International Friendly’ against Poland next Wednesday, Feb 6 at 7.45 in Aviva Stadium. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please go to www.fai.ie. ‘
