Simon Cox is determined to earn a place in the Republic of Ireland starting XI when they kick off their Euro 2012 campaign.
Republic striker determined to catch the eye
Simon Cox has expressed his determination to earn a place in the Republic of Ireland starting XI when they kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Croatia on June 10th.
The West Brom striker is fighting it out with Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Jon Walters for the right to partner skipper Robbie Keane up front.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men face Hungary in Budapest on Monday in their final warm-up game before travelling to Poland, and Cox is hoping to get the chance to prove his worth.
He said: "I just want to get some game-time, that's it. I want to show what I can do."
Scoring
The 25-year-old did his chances no harm on Tuesday, scoring in a 5-0 win over a Tuscan select XI but, with Long and Walters also netting, Cox may still have more to do.
Kevin Doyle, who was rested in midweek, is thought to be Trapattoni's preferred option. He has been paired with Keane in the last two qualifying campaigns and in recent training sessions. But Cox hopes there is still time to force his way in.
He continued: "Hopefully by doing what I did the other day. Scoring goals and putting in decent performances, that's how I show what I can do."
Excitement
And with the tournament just days away, Cox admits excitement is building, despite being placed in a tough group with Spain, Italy and Croatia.
Cox said: "We can't wait to get started. This is what we all want to do and these are the competitions you want to play in.
"We have a good tight unit, so I don't see why we can't prove a lot of people wrong, who are doubting us at the minute.
"All 23 are fit and healthy, which gives the manager headaches for selection come the games we have in front of us."
