Republic of Ireland go-ahead for Wolves' Richard Stearman
Wolves defender Richard Stearman was today hoping to start a new international career after being finally cleared to play for Ireland.
FIFA's 'player status committee' informed the FAI of the decision 11 months after the association submitted its application for the former Leicester stopper to play for the Republic.
For Stearman, this completes a long process, which began when he informed the FAI of his desire to switch allegiance from England to Ireland two years ago.
Although Stearman was born in Wolverhampton and grew up in Market Harborough, he is eligible for an Irish passport courtesy of Irish-born grandparents.
The 26-year-old played for England's Under-21s in 2008 before alerting the FAI, via Wolves team-mate Kevin Doyle, of his willingness to switch countries.
With his passport collected last November, the FAI applied to FIFA.
And he has been given the green light to represent Ireland in competitive internationals. Stearman is eligible for a friendly against Serbia on March 5, though Ireland could yet have a game during the international break next month.
Meanwhile Kenny Jackett challenged Wolves to rediscover their creative 'spark' against Oldham at Molineux tonight.
"We definitely haven't created enough clear-cut chances in our last two home games," said the boss.
"At home we need to keep working away to find that spark which will get us goals to make us consistent winners."