By Glenn Mason
Keith Andrews has urged the newcomers in the Republic to Ireland squad to use this week's training camp and friendlies to boost their chances of becoming regulars in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
Andrews seized the opportunity given to him by Giovanni Trapattoni and has become a mainstay in central midfield since making his debut against Poland in November 2008.
Glenn Whelan, Liam Lawrence and Sean St Ledger are other players who have come to prominence under Trapattoni and Andrews believes the same fate awaits those that impress the Italian this week.
The Blackburn Rovers midfielder was one of a number of senior players to join up with the development squad ahead of the games against Paraguay and Algeria at the RDS this week.
Andrews said: 'There have been some additions to the squad. It is very important to have fresh faces and it keeps everyone on their toes.
'The manager is obviously very open-minded and doesn't really give a damn about reputations and where you have come from. As soon as you get on the training pitch, it is a chance.
'Everybody has got a clean slate. Everybody has got an opportunity, as he [Trapattoni] has proved since he has been Ireland manager.
'Every single one of those players has a chance to stake a claim for the next campaign, which is I'm sure what they are striving for.
'The new lads coming in will certainly get a chance in the games.
'That's the way it should be, as it shouldn't all go on their reputation.
One of those tipped to challenge Andrews for his midfield spot is Birmingham City's Keith Fahey.
Fahey is one of several uncapped players in the squad and Andrews has been impressed with how he has adapted to the English game following his move from St Patrick's Athletic 18 months ago.
Andrews said: 'He is a fantastic player and he has done really well at Birmingham since he came over from Pat's.
'He helped them get promotion and he's been a consistent performer since he's been there. He's proved he is a Premier League player.'
As the disappointment of Paris fades into the background, Andrews has his set firmly set on a place in the European Championship in 2012.
'We just have to make sure that we are in a position in two years' time that we are not missing out on a major tournament once again.
'When these games come around from September, the lads will certainly have the bit between their teeth and will be doing everything we can to get there.'
