Stephen Ireland

[Superhoops]

The majority on here appear to be supportive of SI's return on the basis that he is playing well for his club and is getting a lot of publicity and recognition for his performances and that at the time of his indescretions he was a young lad etc.etc.etc.

A couple of thoughts:

- Darron Gibson is a younger lad than SI. Had Gibson conducted himself like SI did, would people be clamouring for his return? I doubt it.

- SI's must see his club and national team captain Richard Dunne almost every day. There has been no indication to date that SI has ever approached Dunny to discuss anything including retuning to play for Ireland. Surely if SI was offering the olive branch and making himself available, then he had a ready made, publicity free avenue to make his feelings known.

I hope Trap sticks to his view and waits for SI to make the approach. Even if SI does come forward, Trap should not start him against Georgia to test his resolve.

SI is a talented footballer but no matter how good he is and no matter how desperate we are, he is not and cannot be allowed to be bigger than the team.

[NeilMcD]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0116/1232059653477.html

Ireland and Kaka as a central midfield.

[jbyrne]

Very off topic, there's no doubt he's been good this season, but I reckon Xabi Alonso has been the player of the season so far, he's been exceptional.
Anyway its not headcases fault Hughes can't sort the team out, Ireland is playing well.

the title of the thread is Stephen Ireland. how on earth was that post off topic??

[Serb]

The Guardian have posted this graphic detailing Manchester City's proposed formation -vs- Newcastle on the 28th Jan:

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/1018/manchestercityslineup00qi3.jpg

Interesting times for Ireland (and Dunne I guess) if the Kaka deal goes through.

[craig7042]

Trap "Stephen, do you want to play for us?"
Stephen "Not right now, I have to get my situation sorted out first but I definitely want to play in future".
Trap "Okay, then you just let me know when you are ready to come back into the squad,
it's no use me naming you in the squad when are not ready"
Stephen, "That´s fine, I´ll phone the FAI when I´m ready".


At the end of the day we could really do with him in the team, but if not we keep going with the players we have. I hope Irelands in the team soon though. He's class

[NeilMcD]

Well if that is your attitude I am sure you would not be no big loss if you did not turn up.

[Supreme feet]

Do we expect a lot of booing for Ireland if he plays - like the Roy Keane-Romania farce in 2004?

[Greenbod]

Do we expect a lot of booing for Ireland if he plays - like the Roy Keane-Romania farce in 2004?

How much? for your ticket that is...........you did say you were selling didn't you?

[Supreme feet]

How much? for your ticket that is...........you did say you were selling didn't you?

On further consideration, I wouldn't miss a game just because of the odd few booing our own players. It won't last longer than ten minutes anyway, if Iceland '97 and Romania '04 are anything to go by. If Ireland comes back, I'll applaud him - even while harbouring private misgivings about his attitude in the past. Lets just say he has a lot to prove - but if the team benefits, then I won't complain.

[Kingdom]

the title of the thread is Stephen Ireland. how on earth was that post off topic??

I was talking about my own post :confused: (the thread is about Stephen Ireland's return to the National team - and my post didn't really have anything to do with the topic at hand. :o

[back of the net]

Do we expect a lot of booing for Ireland if he plays - like the Roy Keane-Romania farce in 2004?

jesus i hope not - i really hope ppl can just move on and not be bitter.

i was at the keane return game in 2004 and there was a bit of booing but i thought it would be alot worse and as far as i can remember it faded off as the game went on

[Crosby87]

so is he going to be in the squad on monday or not? Whats the deal? What do you guys think?

[tetsujin1979]

It's possible that the (really) early squad announcement is so that he can be included, and we can all deal with the controvery, and outcry, and comments like "that fcuking traitor shouldn't be allowed near an Ireland jersey ever again" can just burn themselves out by the time the game rolls around in 4 weeks.

[Razors left peg]

According to the Independent today the FAI confirmed Ireland won't be named tomorrow and time is running out for him if he wants to be involved in this campaign.
It's being confirmed tomorrow since Trap was in England yesterday watching the premiership games and its convenient for him to do this while he's around.

I wouldnt put too much faith in anything Dion Fanning writes to be honest, but we'll know tomorrow either way

[eirebhoy]

Yeh today's Star says Ireland has still made no contact. They also ridiculously say he'll be leaving Man City when Kaka joins with both Arsenal and Chelsea ready to fight it out for him.

That Independant article is interesting:
Ireland will be added to the list if he expresses an eagerness to return. Few obstacles are said to remain to the player's return with the player assured that the management and squad have no difficulties with him. Trapattoni texted Ireland on Christmas Day and several players have also assured him that he would be welcome.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ireland-wont-be-in-squad-1605970.html

[richieos]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ireland-wont-be-in-squad-1605970.html

[aidz1]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ireland-wont-be-in-squad-1605970.html

oh dear...i hope my wife doesnt read that!!
with trips to bari and sofia upcoming, i too could be percieved spending too much time away from my family.... and to think i am in a worse position, having to pay my own way and not earning 30k a week :eek:

Steve ireland is right... for those without kids, travel away from home should remain a young man's luxury!!! :p

[geysir]

If Fanning has a source then the story could hold water. I could imagine that it's totally based on a source saying Ireland has not contacted the FAI.

Probably this will makes Ireland's return less likely later on as the qualifying campaign goes into the finishing straight. Trap will, as he should, be focusing on the players who have bothered.

[richieos]

now the star are saying hes not coming back when a couple weeks ago they 'exclusivley' revealed he was returning, good work them lads.

[NeilMcD]

According to Michael Ireland (his dad) Stephen was very disappointed not to be included yesterday and would have reacted positively if he was. His Dad has urged Stephen to contact Trap as he feels he wants to be involved in the Georgia game.


Ha ha this gets better and better.

[dr_peepee]

According to Michael Ireland (his dad) Stephen was very disappointed not to be included yesterday and would have reacted positively if he was. His Dad has urged Stephen to contact Trap as he feels he wants to be involved in the Georgia game.

Live in the now, man.... He has no interest in playing for Ireland!!

[DeLorean]

According to Michael Ireland (his dad) Stephen was very disappointed not to be included yesterday and would have reacted positively if he was. His Dad has urged Stephen to contact Trap as he feels he wants to be involved in the Georgia game.

What's the source?

His dad seems to be spouting a lot of sh!t. It's not a very complex situation or anything-make a call, play the game.

[Manblue]

According to Michael Ireland (his dad) Stephen was very disappointed not to be included yesterday and would have reacted positively if he was. His Dad has urged Stephen to contact Trap as he feels he wants to be involved in the Georgia game.

I love your optimism regarding him in every post, he doesnt want to play obviously,,
his dad wants him too and is trying to put pressure on him to play, the apple doesnt fall far from the tree where they are concerned now its just him telling the lies

[elroy]

Ironic that apparently one of his reasons that he does not want to play for Ireland is that it would mean that he would spent a few days at a time away from his family.........he's currently at a training camp in Tenerife with City but thats not an issue.

[Manblue]

Ironic that apparently one of his reasons that he does not want to play for Ireland is that it would mean that he would spent a few days at a time away from his family.........he's currently at a training camp in Tenerife with City but thats not an issue.

Wheres the irony in that, its his job,he HAS to, he doesnt have to play for Ireland

[eirebhoy]

Wheres the irony in that, its his job,he HAS to, he doesnt have to play for Ireland
He actually does under FIFA rules.

[Manblue]

He actually does under FIFA rules.

really? whats the rule?

[back of the net]

Ironic that apparently one of his reasons that he does not want to play for Ireland is that it would mean that he would spent a few days at a time away from his family.........he's currently at a training camp in Tenerife with City but thats not an issue.

of course its not an issue...cos man city pay his wages

The FAI...Dont!

[tetsujin1979]

really? whats the rule?

If you're called into an international squad, you have to play. Remember when Makelele was called into the French squad, even though he had retired? He was told if he refused to show, he would be barred from playing club football.

[Manblue]

If you're called into an international squad, you have to play. Remember when Makelele was called into the French squad, even though he had retired? He was told if he refused to show, he would be barred from playing club football.

Id be interested to see this rule in writing. (not being sarcastic) would like to see wording of it)
No point in someone who doesnt want to play or be there being in squad anyway

[Greenforever]

Id be interested to see this rule in writing. (not being sarcastic) would like to see wording of it)
No point in someone who doesnt want to play or be there being in squad anyway


If you are a registered player with FIFA and you are unavaialable to play in an internation played on a recoginised international date you are not allowed play for your club for either the next 1 or 2 games without the express permission of your national FA. There are no exceptions to this rule, so if you are withdrawn because of injury you can not play for your club the following week even if the injury has healed without your FA's permisssion.

[Manblue]

If you are a registered player with FIFA and you are unavaialable to play in an internation played on a recoginised international date you are not allowed play for your club for either the next 1 or 2 games without the express permission of your national FA. There are no exceptions to this rule, so if you are withdrawn because of injury you can not play for your club the following week even if the injury has healed without your FA's permisssion.

Cheers green, im sure trap is aware of this,,,,
but at the end of the day knows there wudn be much to gain from it.

[richieos]

if ireland were forced to play for us, he'd either find some way out of it or score 10 own goals in his comeback match. worst thing about what i just said is, its probably true

[Superhoops]

Id be interested to see this rule in writing. (not being sarcastic) would like to see wording of it)
No point in someone who doesnt want to play or be there being in squad anyway
I think it is covered in FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players:

Annexe1: Release of Players to International Teams
Article 5: Restrictions on playing

A player who has been called up by his association for one of its
representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant
association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered
during the period for which he has been released or should have been
released pursuant to the provisions of this annexe. This restriction on
playing for the club shall, moreover, be prolonged by five days in the
event that the player, for whatsoever reason, did not wish to or was
unable to comply with the call-up.

[dr_peepee]

We're not gonna try force some one to play for us citing regulations, when they clearly don't want to... That's the kind of sh!t the do up North :p

[eirebhoy]

According to Michael Ireland (his dad) Stephen was very disappointed not to be included yesterday and would have reacted positively if he was. His Dad has urged Stephen to contact Trap as he feels he wants to be involved in the Georgia game.

The source for the Michael Ireland quote is from the Star yesterday and they have it documented as an actual quote from the man and not some "friend of the family" or anything like that.
Do you still have the paper so you can post up the quotes?

[geysir]

The Irelands sound like a normal dysfunctional Irish family :)

I don't know if SI's Father should be getting involved with the media, that is, if he is actually allowing himself to be quoted for his own thoughts and/or attempting to interpret the mysterious thoughts of SI. Either way, it looks like he is having the same difficulty as we are.
You expect the father to support the son and nothing else. SI should do his own talking i.e. if he has anything to say.

[Greenforever]

We're not gonna try force some one to play for us citing regulations, when they clearly don't want to... That's the kind of sh!t the do up North


I agree, I was just pointing out the regulation for another poster.

The flag outside Cafe Trendy in Montenegro hit the nail on the head

He has no heart

He has no honour :(

He has no hair :D

Stephen Manchester :D

(or something very similar)

[Superhoops]

I agree, I was just pointing out the regulation for another poster.

Ditto

[WexCar]

traps' ultimatum

"Maybe we will take Ireland into consideration but, if we qualify with this squad, he cannot say, 'I am available'," said Trapattoni.

"That's not for him, it's about the fans. He has to show Irishness and a willingness to play for Ireland."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12098_4919358,00.html

[third policeman]

traps' ultimatum

"Maybe we will take Ireland into consideration but, if we qualify with this squad, he cannot say, 'I am available'," said Trapattoni.

"That's not for him, it's about the fans. He has to show Irishness and a willingness to play for Ireland."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12098_4919358,00.html

I know that Trapp's grasp of English is not great but waht exactly does this statement mean? Taking "Ireland into consideration" sounds like his absence from the squad is down to selection not his self-imposed exile. Is that right? The comment about proving his "Irishness" could hardly be less diplomatic and concilliatory. He sounds like a poster on this site not someone whose job it is to get the best from our best players to achieve the best results. I am afraid that these comments confirm my worst fears about the ineptitude of the FAI and the current management in resolving this ludicrous stand off with Ireland. Whetever Trapp was trying to say he should have avoided saying it and concentrated on having a face to face conversation with Ireland instead.

[amaccann]

No, he's saying one player cannot dictate terms to his country's football team. So if he wants to come back then fair enough, but he can't leave it until we're home and dry because it's a smack to the face of the fans and the player who actually would have got us there.

[DeLorean]

No, he's saying one player cannot dictate terms to his country's football team. So if he wants to come back then fair enough, but he can't leave it until we're home and dry because it's a smack to the face of the fans and the player who actually would have got us there.

Ya I think Sky Sports may have left out a line or two which makes it sound a bit less friendly than it was. I had read about it already in the Examiner and it sounded slightly better I think.
http://www.examiner.ie/sport/ideymhgbgb/

[third policeman]

Ya I think Sky Sports may have left out a line or two which makes it sound a bit less friendly than it was. I had read about it already in the Examiner and it sounded slightly better I think.
http://www.examiner.ie/sport/ideymhgbgb/


Fair do's. It sounds a lot more diplomatic. I stand corrected, Sorry Trapp. (Still think you should call up Carsley, Reid, St Ledger and Foley and drop Bruce, McShane, Whelan and Gibson though.)

[DeLorean]

Fair do's. It sounds a lot more diplomatic. I stand corrected, Sorry Trapp. (Still think you should call up Carsley, Reid, St Ledger and Foley and drop Bruce, McShane, Whelan and Gibson though.)

That's Sky Sports for you though, they're nothing if not dramatic. All they care about is getting the story first, the details come a distant second. I would like to see those guys out of the picture as well but I wouldn't really be educated enough to rate St Ledger and Foley yet.

[danonion]

I justed watched Manchester City beat Aston Villa on TV and Ireland has to come back, he is so ridiculously talented. He's also fast and has added defensive ability to his game. Whatever about his mental state he is quality

[centre mid]

Dont think his ability has ever been in question. Ball is in his court.

[The Fly]

I have never had strong feelings against Stephen Ireland. I think the current situation is very unfortunate and frustrating, but I would welcome him back and celebrate his future, hopefully positive, contribution to the Irish team.
That being said, he would never become any kind of 'fan favourite' for me - but that doesn't really matter!

[Superhoops]

I justed watched Manchester City beat Aston Villa on TV and Ireland has to come back, he is so ridiculously talented. He's also fast and has added defensive ability to his game. Whatever about his mental state he is quality

All he has to do is pick up a phone! Surely he is talented enough to do that.

[John83]

All he has to do is pick up a phone! Surely he is talented enough to do that.
You'd have to figure he has the hand-eye coordination. Maybe he's cursed with numerophobia.