Anthony Pilkington M Fleetwood Twn b.1988

**Paddy Garcia** · 11/08/2013, 10:01 PM

I actually think he is going to be awesome for us.

**Crosby87** · 12/08/2013, 10:34 PM

Trap: Me still like Pilker.
Pretty good article for goal.com.
http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/...-plans-despite-

**IsMiseSean** · 14/08/2013, 2:41 PM

Pilko just posted this picture, how can anyone question this man's loyality

http://instagram.com/p/c_ztcIlLVC/

**peadar1987** · 14/08/2013, 3:27 PM

Looks like he's teaching his kids how to batter a dog with a stick.

Nice to see he's embracing all of Irish culture, and not just wearing the jersey!

**Junior** · 14/08/2013, 9:33 PM

Ah come on... Facebook....Twitter....Instagram I cant/dont want to keep up. Just someone post the fcuking pic.

ta.

**Sullivinho** · 14/08/2013, 9:34 PM

**Charlie Darwin** · 27/08/2013, 6:40 PM

Fit enough to start for Norwich in the league cup tonight. Hoolahan also back in the side.

**Charlie Darwin** · 27/08/2013, 7:20 PM

And has scored within 14 minutes to put Norwich 2-0 up at home to Bury.

**Grafter** · 27/08/2013, 9:10 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

And has scored within 14 minutes to put Norwich 2-0 up at home to Bury.

Good stuff, assist by Wes too

**DannyInvincible** · 01/09/2013, 4:57 PM

Pilkington's finally Dublin-bound: https://twitter.com/Pilkington_11/st...357824/photo/1

Here we go then! Had to wait a while but finally off to Dublin ✈  pic.twitter.com/WNjJ6oJbyS

**shakermaker1982** · 01/09/2013, 5:14 PM

He'll probably injure himself on the long walk around the Dublin terminal!!!

**geysir** · 01/09/2013, 6:03 PM

Even Keith O'Neill could manage that walk.

**Sullivinho** · 01/09/2013, 6:31 PM

That passport has had more photo ops than George A. Louis.

**paul_oshea** · 01/09/2013, 8:21 PM

Anyone else slightly proud of the fact he has a flight booked on Ryanair for him.

**Serb** · 02/09/2013, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Anyone else slightly proud of the fact he has a flight booked on Ryanair for him.

Yeah, but he's ruined it by reserving a seat, picking up priority boarding and checking a bag.

**paul_oshea** · 02/09/2013, 10:53 AM

Ya the seat bit i didnt like either.

I can understand the checking the bag though. He is away for a week and a half, ye can't fit that much in the holdall for a week without changing a least one pair of jocks and socks.

Still the easier and more expensive and comfortable option was Southend via Cunnilingus.

**punkrocket** · 02/09/2013, 1:01 PM

So where's he hiding the boarding passes for 1A and 1C then?
Hope he keeps his legs well in untill the herd have all passed him by.

**DannyInvincible** · 02/09/2013, 4:53 PM

Uncanny (courtesy of Balls.ie):

**DannyInvincible** · 02/09/2013, 4:58 PM

"'I was always committed' - Anthony Pilkington emphasises desire to play for Ireland": http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/...hasises-desire

The Norwich City winger has vowed that he was determined to play for the Boys in Green despite speculation surrounding several squad withdrawals

Anthony Pilkington maintains that he has always been committed to the Republic of Ireland since declaring his allegiance.

The Norwich player's claim of commitment was not helped by no fewer than five withdrawals since his initial call-up to the squad for a friendly with Poland in February. He withdrew from that game with a hamstring injury and was subsequently included in four more of Giovanni Trapattoni's squads but each time pulled out, usually due to a troublesome knee.

However, speaking to reporters in Dublin on Monday morning, the 25-year-old defended his absences amid suggestions that it proved he was not 100 per cent committed to Ireland.

"Obviously, I can see why people started talking," he said. "But I'd be no good to anyone coming here and playing with a dodgy knee or a torn hamstring. I wouldn't be helping myself or the country.

"People need to realise that I had the injuries. I was always committed. The first time I had to pull out my bags were packed, ready to come over.

"We had a morning game and we were due to fly out, me and Wes [Hoolahan, Norwich team-mate] after the game. I got injured during the game.

"I'm over here now and I'm excited for the game and hopefully get a good week's training, and pick up the points that we need on Friday [against Sweden in the Aviva Stadium]."

The former Huddersfield man pointed out that there had been no communication breakdown between Norwich and the FAI at any stage and explained that they had been in frequent contact.

He added: "[Giovanni Trapattoni] understood, the medical teams both spoke to each other constantly.

"The boss was always talking to me on text, there was always communication between both parties at all times. Luckily, he kept calling me up and my knee feels all right at the moment."

Pilkington also revealed the part that Canaries boss Chris Hughton, a former Ireland international and assistant manager, played in his decision to declare for the Boys in Green.

"When the country was asking about my availability, he came and spoke to me and told me what the set-up was like, because obviously he's been over here. He played as well, he said 'go over there and you'll enjoy it.'"

Trapattoni, speaking at a press conference in Dublin this morning, did not elaborate on the possibility of Pilkington playing some part against Sweden on Friday, a must-win game for Ireland's chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

He said: "[Pilkington] is good, he had a little knee problem, but I am evaluating his situation at the moment. I have also to think about the opponent, Sweden."