HE’LL GET MAC AT IT

PAUL O’HEHIR

BY

STEPHEN KENNY is confident Jamie Mcgrath can pick up where he left off after returning to the squad for these Norway and Malta friendlies.

Mcgrath, who has scored twice in six caps, was dropped after his move to Wigan from St Mirren turned into a nightmare.

But the midfielder (inset), who worked under Kenny at Dundalk, is playing again on loan at Dundee United.

Kenny said: “I’m sure he was disappointed but you can only be honest with players and have open discussions. He has a very good attitude and knuckled down.

“He’s coming back to the level he was at because he played well in some very big games when he put on the Ireland shirt.”

Tonight Mcgrath could make his first appearance for Ireland since the scoreless draw at home to Portugal this time last year.

Kenny said: “For whatever reason he just never got played at Wigan. I see them play and he would certainly be an asset to that team.

“He puts in a really big shift out of possession but is technically excellent as well in tight spaces.”