Richard Stearman reveals Republic of Ireland ambition

Ipswich Town's loanee defender Richard Stearman has revealed that he would like to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior international level.

The 25-year-old, who has previously played for England youths, will qualify for the Irish side through his mother's family.

"It's in the process at the moment, I am gaining a passport and citizenship and hopefully that will be not far around the corner," he told the East Anglian Daily Times.

"All my family on my mother's side are Irish and I am looking to get on the international scene."

Stearman joined Ipswich for the remainder of the season from Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.