UNITED BOSS HAS PESTERED IRISH FA TO PICK FERRY

DUNDEE UNITED manager Jim Goodwin believes it is only a matter of time before left-back Will Ferry earns a Republic of Ireland call-up.

- BY SCOTT BURNS

The Irish FA notified United that the 24-year-old has been put on standby for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Armenia.

National boss Heimir Hallgrimsson will name his squad for those games today and versatile Ferry, who has been capped up to Under-21 level, is hoping to be selected for the first time, which his club manager feels would be thoroughly deserved.

Goodwin, who himself won one Ireland cap during his playing career, said: “Will is on standby for the Ireland squad so hopefully he'll make the final cut.

“That would be a good boost for him and recognition of how well he's done since coming here.