Ireland Chasing Nolan

Last updated : 17 November 2005 By Matt Bottom

With England and Sven Goran Eriksson still overlooking Bolton's goalscoring midfielder Kevin Nolan, Republic of Ireland are reportedly ready to offer him the chance of international football.

Nolan has been in superb form all season, with his seven goals placing him behind only Frank Lampard in the midfield scoring stakes, but Sven Goran Eriksson has yet to be convinced. 

Nolan is eligible courtesy of his parentage and was expected to be invited to appear for Ireland under previous boss Brian Kerr.

Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers youngster Rhys Powell is determined to become known for more than being Kevin Nolan's boot boy.

The fiesty young Welsh kid, who has been promised a £50 bonus for every goal Nolan scores, continues to impress as one of the rising stars of the Wanderers academy.

The Wales FA have high hopes of the 18-year-old right-back and are delighted with his progress.

"We are pleased with what Bolton are doing for the player's development and I'm sure Rhys is," said Mark Evans, the WFA's international administrator.

"And we are reaping the rewards. He's got great a attitude to go with his performances and I'm sure that, at a club like Bolton, he will keep his work ethic."