Maher hoping to catch Stan's eye

Ilford-born Maher, 29, was capped by the Republic at Under-21 level before he left Tottenham for Southend in 1998.

He told Southend's website: "If I play well enough in the Championship, there is no reason I can't get involved.

"The players who have retired from the squad, like Matt Holland and Roy Keane, are all midfielders which leaves gaps."