Norwich City midfielder Anthony Pilkington is ready to declare for the Republic of Ireland.

The winger excelled in front of Marco Tardelli, Giovanni Trapattoni's assistant watching at Carrow Road, as he scored and assisted to guide Norwich to a 2-1 victory over Wigan.

Irish management got in touch with Pilkington, whose maternal grandmother was born in Dublin, three weeks ago to ask about his availability and papers ratifying his allegiance are close to being complete.

He said: "I have had a call from the Republic and they are now starting to sort out all the paperwork. That's where we are at the moment.

"But their next game isn't until February so we will just have to wait and see what happens now. We just have to sort out all the paperwork and then go from there really.

"I am definitely eligible because my grandmother comes from Ireland, from Dublin. So I would be more than happy to play for them, if I am selected."