Ciaran Clark chooses the Republic

Villa defender Ciaran Clark has committed his international future to the Republic of Ireland - after a heart to heart with team-mate Richard Dunne.

The London-born centre-back, who qualifies for the Republic via his Irish mother and grandparents, has informed FAI chiefs he wants to be considered for Giovanni Trapattoni's squad, even though he skippered England at under-19 and under-20 level.

Clark is expected to come into contention for next month's friendly with Norway and could even partner his club team-mate at the heart of the Irish defence.

And Dunne revealed it was he who recommended him to Republic of Ireland scout Don Givens.

He said: "I had a word with 'Clarky' a couple of months ago, so I'm to blame! I went straight onto our recruitment fella and he's been in touch.

"It's great. I think he has declared so once it goes through it will be great to have him in the squad.

"I think his mother's Irish so whether she's been putting pressure on or not, I don't know.

"He's open to it, he wants to play international football and it might come soon."

Dunne has tipped Clark to be a star for club and country in the future.

He added: "He's certainly going to be a top player. For Ireland it'll be outstanding to have a young player of his talent in the squad. It's just a matter of time before he breaks through.

"Defenders always take that bit longer."