West Bromwich Albion striker Simon Cox admits he's been fortunate to stay in the Republic of Ireland squad.

Cox is grateful for Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni for continuing to involve him despite his lack of domestic action.

"When the squad is selected for the Euros, I hope to be in it and, via the conversations I have had with Giovanni and Marco Tardelli (assistant manager) they seem happy with what is happening with me," he said.

"Sometimes you can't complain when the team are winning games but in terms of Ireland I have to thank Giovanni because every time he has picked me in the squad, I have not been playing at Albion.

"It is hard for him to see what I can do on a weekly basis and I do have to count my blessings everytime he picks me for the squad."