Liam Lawrence

Liam Lawrence has criticised players who decide they want to play for the Republic of Ireland only after failing to win England recognition.

Stoke's winger Jermaine Pennant and Jamie O'Hara, who is currently on loan at Wolves, have both suggested recently that they could declare for Ireland. Lawrence, who joined Portsmouth from Stoke at the turn of the year, admits their comments have not gone down well within the Irish camp.

He said: "The only thing I know upsets us is when people are trying to juggle between England and Ireland. That's the only issue, really, and it's not just me saying that. It doesn't look good, does it?

"We don't dislike these people, it is just some of the comments they come out with when they are saying they are juggling between Ireland and England – you just don't want it, do you?"