Cox ahead in pecking order

SIMON Cox has jumped ahead of James McClean in the race to start Friday’s World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed.

Trapattoni earlier this week hinted that McClean could start his first competitive international game, but it appears that the Italian will now employ Nottingham Forest man Cox, who usually plays up front, out on the left flank previously occupied by Damien Duff instead.

Trapattoni was impressed with Cox’s performance in the 0-0 draw against Serbia last month and also has doubts over McClean’s fitness as he has not been able to train properly for the last two days due to a cold.

“Cox is ahead of McClean because he was good in our game against Serbia,” Trapattoni said. “McClean came here with a sore throat. I think he will be OK in one day. Then we will make a decision.”

In midfield, former Hamilton player James McCarthy looks set to begin his first competitive game for the country.