Rogers getting ready to help Boys in Green chase World Cup glory
Gary Rogers is getting ready for a hectic few days of action as the Republic of Ireland look to start their 2018 World Cup campaign with a victory away to Serbia on Monday evening.
The Bohermeen man was called into the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the facile 4-0 victory over Oman in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium last night and he will be flying out with the national squad on Saturday morning for the game against Serbia in Belgrade on Monday evening.
In between there is a game for reigning champions Dundalk against Bohemians this Friday night at Dalymount Park (with Rogers available for that game) while on Tuesday evening the Co Louth club are scheduled to play one of Rogers’s old clubs Sligo Rovers.
'I have been released for the game against Bohemians so yeah it will be busy,' he said this afternoon.
'I was on the bench for the game against Oman but I'm delighted to be involved in the preparation for a World Cup qualifier. Ok I would love to have got a run out against Oman of course I would but I think Martin (O'Neill) did the right thing in giving Darren (Randolph) and Kieran (Westwood) a run out ahead of the qualifier.'
Last night the focus was mainly on the fact that Robbie Keane played his last game for his country and marked the occasion with his 47th goal equalling Gerd Muller’s international record.
However, any hopes Rogers might have of becoming the first Meathman to win a senior international cap were quashed as manager Martin O’Neill opted to use the other two goalkeepers in the squad, Randolph and Westwood.
Rogers appears to be liked by the Ireland manager who has praised his contribution to training sessions but this was an ideal opportunity to give the Dundalk netminder - and League of Ireland soccer - a priceless honour. The moment was by-passed and now Rogers must hope he gets another chance to win a cap.
The last player to win a senior cap while involved with a League of Ireland club (Cork City) was Joe Gamble in 2007.