Kevin Foley on his Ireland exile

Wolves full-back Kevin Foley has played more than 300 club games in England but admits he doesn't feel like a Republic of Ireland international as his exile continues.

Despite enjoying arguably the best form of his career, the 26-year-old has again failed to make the starting line-up for Giovanni Trapattoni side's friendly against Norway at the Aviva Stadium tonight, the right-back slot going to Fulham's Stephen Kelly.

Foley has been part of the Irish squad since May 2009, but his only appearances have come against Nigeria at Fulham in May 2009 then as an 82nd minute substitute against Paraguay last May.

In the time his Wolves team-mate Kevin Doyle has become the nation's new talisman ahead of Robbie Keane, who is currently injured, the former Luton man has won just two caps.

Foley said: "It's been frustrating to say the least. I've been in so many squads but you don't really feel like a player. You're travelling all over the world but it's almost like you're just along for the ride.

"You want to have a reason for being there. I always want to meet up with the lads and help my country out.

"That's not an issue. I just want to feel like I'm contributing."

Foley admits he doesn't know whether his impressive form for Wolves this season has been noted by Trapattoni.

He said: "It's hard to tell whether how I've played this season made any difference.

"I've been in that position before where I was playing well and thought I might get a chance, but I wasn't holding my breath.

"All I can do is play well for Wolves and we'll see what happens with Ireland."

His luck at international level was summed up by events deep into injury time in Ireland's recent Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovakia.

Foley was ready to replace the injured Aiden McGeady, who had just hobbled off.

He said: "The referee then told him there wasn't enough time for the substitution.

"All the lads on the bench were laughing. I had to laugh, too."

Foley believes his stint on the right side of midfield at club level in the second-half of last season has added even more to his game.

He said: "I've always wanted to play right-back but I do think playing further forward helped me.

"You get the ball with your back to goal a lot more and you have to do a little half-turn to get away from an opponent.

"In that sense, I now understand the movement of the guy in front of me, when to play it to him and when not to."