TOWN target Keith Andrews urged the Republic of Ireland’s veteran players not to quit the international stage despite their Euro 2012 nightmare.

Their misery was completed when they lost 2-0 to Italy (Andrews was red carded) to become only the fourth country to exit a finals without picking up a single point.

The competition could mark the end of the road for the likes of Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Damien Duff and Richard Dunne.

If they were to quit, 31-year-old midfielder Andrews, who along with Republic teammate Paul Green is interesting Town manager Simon Grayson, would become the oldest outfield player in the squad.

“The lads that are being talked about in particular have been fantastic servants – absolute stalwarts of the team of the last 10 or 12 years,” said the man who has just finished a short-term contract at West Brom.

“On a personal note, I’ve really enjoyed playing with them so hopefully they don’t go, but it’s their decision.”

While he has 32 caps, Andrews is a novice in international terms compared to Keane (120), Given (125), Duff (100) and Dunne (76).

Regardless how many of them stay on, Ireland face a huge rebuilding job in the coming years, with many now questioning whether 73-year-old manager Giovanni Trapattoni is the man to oversee it.

Even if the Italian does stay in charge, the clamour for a change of approach is beginning to grow following a gruelling build-up to Euro 2012.

Former Blackburn man Andrews said: “Let’s be frank, we haven’t qualified for this tournament for 24 years. It is easy to sit there and criticise a man who got us there.

“We are not pleased with our individual performances or our collective performance.”

l West Brom have opened talks with Town’s Championship rivals Birmingham aimed at signing goalkeeper Ben Foster on a permanent basis.

Foster spent last season on loan at The Hawthorns and was named Albion’s player of the year after helping them finish 10th in the Premier League.

Leeds have signed long-serving Norwich defender Adam Drury on a two-year deal.

The 33-year-old had been at Carrow Road for 11 years.

Leeds are also being linked with Leicester’s former Town right-back Lee Peltier.

Watford have agreed a deal in principle to sell up to the Pozzo family, who already own Italian side Udinese and Spanish team Granada.

Current Hornets owner Laurence Bassini bought the Vicarage Road club, 11th in the Championship last season, 15 months ago.