Alex Pearce

ALEX Pearce is one step closer to fulfilling his international dream following an approach from the Republic of Ireland.

The 23-year-old defender confirmed he has been contact by Giovanni Trapattoni's representatives with a view to representing the country of his grandmother's birth.

But Pearce is not celebrating the news just yet while UEFA investigate his footballing background.

Pearce played at Under-14 level for the Republic of Ireland in a tournament, but then accepted an invite to represent Scotland Under 21s in a friendly a few years ago.

UEFA will now check out the possibility of Pearce switching allegiances to the Republic of Ireland, though they are unlikely to block the move.

The Reading defender revealed: "I qualify for Ireland through my dad's side as my grandmother was born in Dublin.

"They've been in touch so they're interested.

"We're trying to get that moving along and if it happens it will be fantastic. It will be a dream come true to play for Ireland."

And he added: "I was lucky enough to represent them once in a tournament when I was 14 so I've got an affiliation with them already.

"Hopefully we can push this forward so I have an opportunity to show Ireland what I can do."

Pearce played every minute of every league game for Reading last season and his performances in Brian McDermott's title-winning side earned him the coveted, Chronicle-sponsored Player of the Year award.

His performances alerted Irish boss Trapattoni who sent scouts to keep a close eye on the Royals Academy graduate.

"I spoke to Ireland's assistant manager Alan Kelly on the phone. He said they were interested and were trying to sort out the regulations.

"Because I played for Scotland Under 21s in a friendly people think I'm Scottish, but it was a friendly so I'm not tied down to them.

"Ireland are now trying to get confirmation of that from Scotland to clarify I haven't played a competitive match for them.

"It's a bit of a long-winded process but I think they like me and hopefully we can sort it out quickly."

With the likes of 32-year-old Ireland defender Richard Dunne approaching the twilight of their careers, Pearce also believes he could have a long international career ahead of him.

"Ireland have some great players but there are a couple who maybe are coming to the end of their careers and thinking of retirement.

"I'd just like an opportunity to join up with a squad, pull the jersey on and hopefully impress the manager.

"There's no timescale. Ireland just want me to be aware of what's happening and hopefully they can push the issue forward now."

Meanwhile, Pearce and the rest of the Reading squad will have this weekend off before they return to Premier League action on Sunday, September 16 when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Madejski Stadium (4pm ko, live Sky Sports).

Spurs are yet to win in three league matches this season and Pearce believes it is a good time to play Andre Villas-Boas' side which is likely to contain former Reading star Gylfi Sigurdsson.

"Spurs haven't been in the best form and any team coming to Madejski Stadium will get a tough game," he suggested.

http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/articles/2012/09/07/62476-irish-eyes-check-out-defender-pearce/