Norwich City midfielder Anthony Pilkington is hoping to have a long international career with the Republic of Ireland.

Pilkington admits there was little prospect of committing himself to England.

"There were little bits and pieces in the press but I never spoke to anyone from that side," he told the Irish Examiner prior to his untimely injury withdrawal from this week's friendly. "People were asking, 'Why hasn't he declared for one side?' but I hadn't spoken either to the FAI or the English set-up. And as soon as Ireland did get in touch, that's when I made my mind up that I wanted to play for them."