Westwood has played more times for the Republic this season than he has for Sunderland, starting all three of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers and also featuring in one friendly, while he has been restricted to just three Capital One Cup outings for the Black Cats.
But I cannot see how the press can suggest Martin O’Neill was wrong when he preferred to play Simon Mignolet in the recent FA Cup games against Bolton, rather than give Westwood a chance to impress.
O'Neill knew it was a tough tie, and full credit to him, he was genuine when he said he really wanted to WIN the tie.
Obviously that didn't help the keeper, already frustrated by his lack of opportunities, and I'm sure he will consider his future after hearing his international career could end.
Westwood was included in the Republic’s squad for tomorrow’s friendly against Poland in Dublin, but Trappatoni is set to play Millwall’s David Forde at the Aviva Stadium.
Trappatoni: “The goalkeeper is a particularly delicate position.
“I hope Westwood can play in the future, but now the manager chooses Mignolet.
“I told him you can change club, and you can play.”