Connelly's Irish Storm

By J Bateman
November 19 2002

David Connelly today hit back at suggestions from the Ireland caretaker coach Don Givens that he refused to play for the Republic Of Ireland national team.

David Connelly was fuming today after ROI caretaker boss Don Givens said the striker said no to a call up for the national side.

Connelly blasted the talk as nonsense but Givens said in a press conference "The conversation on the phone on Saturday evening went - Hello David, it's Don Givens. Are you fit?' Connelly said "To what do I owe the honour of this phone call?"

I said: "I would like you to join the squad tomorrow?" He said: 'Why was I not selected in the original squad?' I said: 'David, that was the choice I made.' He said: 'I should be the number one striker for Ireland, not number five.' At that point I said to him: 'David, do you want to come tomorrow?' He said 'no' and I said: 'Right David, good luck' and put the phone down,"

Connelly refutes that phone call and said before he had time to speak the boss put the phone down on him.

Connelly is currently suffering from a heel injury and said thats the reason why he couldnt join the rest of the Irish squad.