Ireland open to International return

STEPHEN Ireland has indicated to Noel King that he is open to returning to international football.

 

 

The 27-year old Corkman has not played for Ireland since scoring in the two-all away draw with Slovakia in Bratislava.

 

 

It was a night that drew an ultimately ignominious line under that chapter of his international career.

 

 

It was the night when Ireland was excused for the next game in the double-header (a loss to the Czech Republic). Steve Staunton had been informed that the player's grandmother had died and Ireland asked for compassionate leave, which was granted.

 

 

When maternal grandmother, Patricia Tallon, was found to be alive and well, Ireland changed his story and said that it was his paternal grandmother, Brenda Kitchener, who had passed away.

 

 

That was also found to be untrue and it later transpired that Ireland's girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage. 

 

 

Ireland scored four goals in his six previous international caps. Giovanni Trapattoni had met the player, but he didn't end the exile under the Italian.

 

 

Last Wednesday night, King was in Liverpool and watched Ireland score in Stoke's 2-0 Capital One Cup win over Tranmere.

 

 

King was keen to have the midfielder in his plans for this month's games.

 

 

"I considered everybody. I spoke to Stephen's agent. Stephen connected with me as well," he said.

 

 

"We have been in touch. He has been out for so long. 

 

 

"He is getting his career back on track and I can understand fully that he is not ready in his head, in his physique and his conditioning."

 

 

King suggested that Ireland would be in line for a return to the fold in the spring.

 

 

The interim manager said: "(Stephen) wants to be back in top condition for himself and he wants to play for Ireland."