GIOVANNI Trapattoni has promoted Leon Best to the Republic of Ireland squad for this month's European Championships play-off double-header with Estonia.
Despite his impressive recent form with Newcastle United, Best was initially omitted from the Irish squad for next Friday's game in Tallinn and the following Tuesday's return fixture in Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
However, with doubts over the fitness of West Brom striker Shane Long, who is nursing a knee injury, the Magpies marksman has received a late call-up.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be in the Ireland squad again," said Best, who has been capped seven times. "It has been a long time coming and I've been waiting patiently.
"The gaffer (Alan Pardew) has helped me, and playing in a winning team cannot have done me any harm either.
"Trapattoni came to watch me at Wolves and must have been happy with what he saw. I've been working hard this season and am really pleased to be called up."
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