SIMON Cox insists he is still open for a Republic of Ireland call up.

The striker last played internationally in 2014.

But the 29-year-old has revealed he will never make himself unavailable for selection.

“I’m still open for selection for Ireland and as long as I’m playing that will always be the case,” said Cox, who qualifies to play for Ireland through his grandmother.

“All the way through youth football when I was 14 or 15 I was trying to get selected for Ireland but it never happened.

“Thankfully it did when I was a bit older and I’m really proud to have played internationally.

“If I keep on playing well and they want to pick me again then that would be brilliant.

“But I’m just focusing on making sure I keep doing well for Southend because if my form drops at club level then nothing else will materialise.”

Cox, who represented Ireland at Euro 2012, has scored four goals in 30 appearances for Ireland.

And he remains proud of his record at international level.

“It’s four goals in 12 starts for Ireland and I dont think that’s too bad at all,” said Cox.

“In total I’ve made 30 appearances internationally but some of those have been off the bench and I’ve only been on the pitch for two or three minutes.

“I have many great memories of playing for Ireland though, including making three appearances in the European Championships.

“I’ve got to play alongside some great players and played in some great stadiums against some top teams.

“It’s always been an honour and it would be great to be able to do it again.

“But the Ireland set up is very strong and there are so many good players vying for selection.

“Of course it’s going to be difficult and it should be at international level.

“However, there will never come a time when I turn round and make myself unavailable for Ireland.”

Kevin Doyle - who now plays for Colorado Rapids - Shane Long, David McGoldrick, and Jon Walters have all been selected as strikers in the Irish squad for the last two internationals.

But Martin O’Neill’s side are now not back in action until late March when they take on Wales in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.