Clinton Morrison baffled by international snub

With Ireland hopefuls Keiren Westwood, Jay Tabb, Michael Doyle and Kevin Thornton on the books at Coventry, Morrison knows that Trapattoni and Co will have the Ricoh Arena on their 'grounds to visit' list.

So the self-assured centre forward is aiming to work hard, score goals and make sure Irish eyes are forced to smile in his direction.

"I still hope my international career is alive," admitted Morrison.

"I've been disappointed because even scoring goals last season I still wasn't picked. I don't know what's happening but all I can do is carry on doing well for my club team and the international thing will take care of itself.

"There are a lot of strikers playing in the Championship so if I score more goals than them and still get overlooked then you know that it's something personal.

"I was in his Wrst 40-man squad so obviously I'm there or thereabouts and if I'm doing well for Coventry then it will happen.

"Having Westy, Tabby, Doyle and Thornton here will help because the Irish management will always come and watch.

"But I know I can score goals for Ireland, I've got a good record for them so I'm not giving up, I'm still at a good age where I can still play international football."

Morrison admits to being happy with life back in the West Midlands having previously spent three-and-half years in these parts with Birmingham.

The Londoner hasn't moved his girlfriend and two children up to Coventry, instead preferring to keep his family in the capital while he rents an apartment.

He admits that he enjoys the relaxed way of life in the heart of England and is grateful that he's able to feed his favourite hobby - shopping.

But that's one area where Coventry lets the shopaholic down because he is having to turn to the neighbouring city where he used to ply his trade - and more importantly the home of the Bullring.

"I love shopping," he said. "I've got to sort out my place Wrst but once I've got my feet under the table I'll be back out there. Coventry's not the best for shopping.

"I think I'll have to go into Birmingham to do my shopping

"I like the West Midlands, the three-and-a-half years I had at Birmingham were good times, it didn't work out as well as I would have liked it to but it was a good thing.

2I had a good relationship with the fans, the players and the management. It's a place I like.

"The people in London are a bit more demanding, they come up to you all the time even when you're shopping but in Coventry they just notice you and say hello.

"Coventry's not that far from London, about an hour's drive, so that was a major factor in my decision. I've got two kids and my girlfriend so I didn't want to be miles from them."