The Republic of Ireland coach hasn't ruled out a return to the emerald green for the mercurial midfielder, but the Manchester City man must also prove his commitment to the cause.
Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed that a return to the international fold with the Republic of Ireland is a definite possibility for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland, but he must show that he is truly committed to the national side before any comeback can be seriously considered.
Ireland, always a player of huge potential whose well-publicised off-field issues out his international career on hold back in 2007, has been one of Manchester City's most consistent performers this season, after a summer spent working intensively on his fitness has paid off.
Many have discussed a potential return to the Republic's World Cup qualifying campaign, but both sides in the equation have been cautious when discussing such a move so far.
However, Trapattoni today told Setanta Sports that there would definitely be a role for the Cobh-born playmaker, who was also eligible for international recognition with England or Italy before opting to represent his homeland at senior level.
"Absolutely," said Trapattoni earlier. "I discussed this with him when I met him. Where does he play with Manchester City? In midfield, behind the strikers, but after a chance at goal, he comes back in here [midfield]."
However, before the player's supporters become too excited, Trapattoni is elsewhere reported as expressing slightly greater reservations about recalling Ireland to the national squad.
"Maybe we will take Ireland into consideration but, if we qualify with this squad, he cannot say, 'I am available'," Sky Sports quotes Trapattoni as telling reporters.
"That's not for him, it's about the fans. He has to show Irishness and a willingness to play for Ireland."
The Republic added some momentum to their qualifying campaign this week, by coming from behind to beat Georgia 2-1 thanks to a brace from Tottenham Hotpsur striker Robbie Keane, and Trapttoni remains optimistic about their prospects of reaching South Africa in 2010.
He added, "There is still a long way to go in the campaign but even while we wait we have a good situation to go away in the qualifiers."
Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed that a return to the international fold with the Republic of Ireland is a definite possibility for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland, but he must show that he is truly committed to the national side before any comeback can be seriously considered.
Ireland, always a player of huge potential whose well-publicised off-field issues out his international career on hold back in 2007, has been one of Manchester City's most consistent performers this season, after a summer spent working intensively on his fitness has paid off.
Many have discussed a potential return to the Republic's World Cup qualifying campaign, but both sides in the equation have been cautious when discussing such a move so far.
However, Trapattoni today told Setanta Sports that there would definitely be a role for the Cobh-born playmaker, who was also eligible for international recognition with England or Italy before opting to represent his homeland at senior level.
"Absolutely," said Trapattoni earlier. "I discussed this with him when I met him. Where does he play with Manchester City? In midfield, behind the strikers, but after a chance at goal, he comes back in here [midfield]."
However, before the player's supporters become too excited, Trapattoni is elsewhere reported as expressing slightly greater reservations about recalling Ireland to the national squad.
"Maybe we will take Ireland into consideration but, if we qualify with this squad, he cannot say, 'I am available'," Sky Sports quotes Trapattoni as telling reporters.
"That's not for him, it's about the fans. He has to show Irishness and a willingness to play for Ireland."
The Republic added some momentum to their qualifying campaign this week, by coming from behind to beat Georgia 2-1 thanks to a brace from Tottenham Hotpsur striker Robbie Keane, and Trapttoni remains optimistic about their prospects of reaching South Africa in 2010.
He added, "There is still a long way to go in the campaign but even while we wait we have a good situation to go away in the qualifiers."
Post a Comment