Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew can't believe Leon Best is out of the Republic of Ireland squad.

Pardew is sure Best's form should have earned a place in Giovanni Trapattoni's 26-man squad for the Euro 2012 play-off with Estonia next month.

The Toon boss said: "I was surprised he wasn't in the Ireland squad. I don't see too many other Irish strikers scoring almost a goal every other game."