ASHLEY Ward is set to step up his efforts to qualify for the Republic of Ireland following renewed interest from manager Mick McCarthy.

Republic boss McCarthy desperately wants a target man to replace Tony Cascarino and he has identified Ward as a possible successor.

And that has prompted the Rovers striker to re-check his eligibility after a previous attempt proved unsuccessful.

Ward may qualify for the Republic through his wife, Dawn, whose family is Irish.

At the moment she holds an English passport but she can apply for an Irish one, which could possibly make Ward eligible.

However, it remains unclear whether or not it would then take a further three years after the passport was issued before that came in practice.

Ward was today cautious about his international prospects.

But he would clearly love the chance to play at that level and increasing speculation linking him with the Republic has prompted him to look into it again.

"Obviously, if it came off then I'd be delighted but I think people are making more of it than there actually is," said Ward.

"I've had loads of Irish reporters ringing me up about it because when I was put on the spot on TV last week, I said I'd love to play for Ireland.

"But, from what I can see, I won't qualify for a couple of years at least.

"My wife Dawn currently has an English passport but she could apply for an Irish one.

"If she did that, though, from what I understand, I'd have to wait another three years before I was eligible, by which stage I'd probably be too old.

"But it's encouraging that Mick McCarthy seems to want me and I'll certainly be looking into it again."

McCarthy would clearly love to call on a player who he rates very highly.

"I've spoken to Ashley about it and he is keen to play for us," said McCarthy.

"He is going through the process of getting a passport at the moment and if it goes through then we'd welcome him with open arms.

"We have a bit of void in terms of a target man since Tony Cascarino retired.

"And Ashley would be a good addition to the squad especially with the World Cup qualifiers coming up.

"I've known Ashley as a player for a long time now and he is a tireless worker and a great team player.

"Sometimes his style of play is to the detriment of his own game.

"He could have got a lot more goals if he wasn't such a good worker for the rest of his team-mates."

Meanwhile, Rovers chief executive John Williams today moved to quash further speculation linking Sunderland boss Peter Reid with a move to Ewood.

Sunderland chairman Bob Murray is reported to be ready to offer Reid a new improved deal to keep him at The Stadium of Light, in a bid to ward off other clubs.

But Williams has quelled speculation that Rovers are one of them.

"We don't comment on speculation and there is no situation to talk about," said Williams.

"Mr Walker and the board will sit down and look at the next stage when it's appropriate.

"But we have got a manager and are not looking for a new one."

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