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Bolton Wanderers defender Joey O’Brien has dismissed speculation that he was ready to call time on his Republic of Ireland career.
O’Brien lost his place in the Irish squad for last month’s friendly against Poland after speaking of his frustrations at his lack of game-time at international level.
He questioned whether boss Giovanni Trapattoni had even seen him play – and the subsequent omission was seen as a rebuttal from the veteran Italian.
But O’Brien insists he has never contemplated following Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland into international exile.
The 22-year-old, who has been out of action for six weeks with a groin injury, said: “I was asked the question back in October, was I frustrated with international football? And my answer was, of course. I said that I was becoming a bit frustrated going away with the Ireland squad and sitting in the stand. But I never, ever said I would quit. That was blown up out of all proportion.
“The press tried to link it with what Stephen Ireland was saying at the time – two young lads calling it quits – but it is something I never said, and I have clarified the situation with Liam Brady.
“I told him that I had no plans to retire, I still love playing for my country, but the simple fact was that I wasn’t playing. I was sitting in the stands. I was walking round in an Ireland tracksuit claiming I was an Ireland player, when obviously I didn’t feel like I was.
“I think a curse was put on me the moment I said anything. But that’s football, I suppose. When I made the statement, I was in the Bolton Wanderers team. I wasn’t used to sitting in the stands.
“I answered the question honestly. If I had said that I love going away and sitting around doing nothing then people would think I was winding them up. I thought I’d said the right things but people have put their own spin on it, but the bottom line is I love playing for my country and I hope I get the opportunity to do it again.”
