Finnan not ready to face the Finns

13 April 2012

Fulham's Steve Finnan today defended his decision to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Finland tomorrow.

The right-back, who expects to play for Jean Tigana's side ag ainst Middlesbrough on Saturday, said: "Even though I played the full 90 minutes of Fulham's win over Bolton on Saturday, the last thing I want is the Ireland fans to think that I'm picking and choosing my international games, because that isn't the case and never will be.

"I was as surprised as anyone when Jean Tigana named me in the starting line-up for the Bolton game at the weekend. I'd been struggling with my ankle injury throughout pre-season and had only played 45 minutes of a reserve team game against Arsenal on the Wednesday night," he told icons.com. "I came through the Bolton game reasonably well but the ankle was very sore afterwards.

"The manager told me he had been in touch with the Republic set-up and Mick McCarthy gave me permission to stay in London. I'm gutted but I have a responsibility to Fulham."

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