Stephen Ireland

**tetsujin1979** · 18/08/2009, 1:25 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

I picked up one of the Sunday tabloids and there was quotes from Trap about Ireland. Saying when he comes back not to expect him to be a messiah, etc. Reading the quotes it was like I missed all the mayhem of him announcing his comeback.

might be preparing us for the squad announcement
from today's Indo: http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...y-1862249.html

Trapattoni is expected to be in attendance for the meeting between Wolves and City at Eastlands, although he does not appear to be optimistic of coercing Stephen Ireland back into the fold ahead of the Cypriot encounter. The Italian is planning to name his squad for that game on Friday before a trip to the UK where he had indicated he might try and speak with the exiled midfielder.

**tetsujin1979** · 23/08/2009, 11:43 AM

from http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news...still-a-wonder

Questioned about whether or not the Republic of Ireland could expect the 23-year-old – Stevie celebrated his birthday with the 1-0 win over Wolves – to return to the international fold, the manager felt that the player’s opinion had not changed.

He said: “I think his view on international football is still the same. I think he feels that he needs, at this moment in time of his career and the way he is developing, to concentrate on club football. In the future who knows? I think that is where he is at the moment.”

**Oink** · 24/08/2009, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Manblue

True, was disgraceful

Lousy finish but I watched the whole game and he was a class act, every chance City created came through him, his link up play is outstanding and he can play some pinpoint through balls. His work rate is very impressive, makes up for his lack of stature and tackling by working hard and closing down.

National team media circus aside, he is a very talented player and has uped his game tremendously over the last 2 years.

**eaststand85** · 25/08/2009, 8:36 AM

From yesterday's Irish Times (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...3137891.html):

"Hughes was “delighted with how we’re shaping up”, yet it is one of the more established faces in the City squad that is really catching Hughes’ eye at present.

“Stephen Ireland’s ability is beyond question now,” said Hughes. “On the strength of his performances last year, and the way he has started this, it all bodes very well for us. He is an outstanding young talent.”"

Whatever the wrongs and rights of what he's done (or hasn't done I suppose) I'd be a lot more confident if he was in the squad for Cyrpus although I take on board that it may not be worth it if his presence was to disrupt a settled squad who are working hard for each other.

**irishfan86** · 25/08/2009, 9:18 AM

There was a time when it was debatable whether or not he'd help us in the immediate aftermath of grannygate, but I think anybody who said he would hurt our chances now is just sour about the situation.

And don't get me wrong, I'm upset about his lack of involvement, but it's hard to argue that he wouldn't make us a much better team if he was implemented correctly.

**kennedmc** · 25/08/2009, 9:38 AM

I have been a huge fan of Ireland as a player for years....as soon as he came on the scene you could tell he had the ability to become a world class player (which he will in time become).

After his problems I was also very hopeful he would comeback to the national team but now I really can't see it. He has obviously chosen to turn his back on his country. Its always a great shame when any player chooses to do that.

Playing for your country should always be a huge honour and even more so now with all the money in the game. It's a chance to turn up and play with pride and passion nothing to do with money. It's a privilege and many people seem to forget that now. The idea of a manager having to ask / plead for a player to come back is very sad.

I would love if we just closed / deleted this thread and moved on. The circus has gone on long enough.

**youngirish** · 25/08/2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by kennedmc

I have been a huge fan of Ireland as a player for years....as soon as he came on the scene you could tell he had the ability to become a world class player (which he will in time become).

After his problems I was also very hopeful he would comeback to the national team but now I really can't see it. He has obviously chosen to turn his back on his country. Its always a great shame when any player chooses to do that.

Playing for your country should always be a huge honour and even more so now with all the money in the game. It's a chance to turn up and play with pride and passion nothing to do with money. It's a privilege and many people seem to forget that now. The idea of a manager having to ask / plead for a player to come back is very sad.

I would love if we just closed / deleted this thread and moved on. The circus has gone on long enough.

100% agree. SI doesn't deserve his place in the Ireland forum. While technically Irish he has shown none of the pride or affinity for the country of his birth that you would expect as base requirements for an Irishman. I say we revoke his citzenship (at least in a forum sense) and exile his thread to the depths of world football.

**as_i_say** · 25/08/2009, 10:04 AM

Pride in top flight football went out the window years ago. Its all about the money now. And sadly that attitude imo, has crept into the Irish set up. Also imo, the vast majority of those playing in the premier league are nothing but money grabbing knuts.

Its not a huge honour to play for your country any more just a huge inconvenience.

**dr_peepee** · 25/08/2009, 10:08 AM

I'd say Andy Reid would beg to differ!! It'll be a shame if his efforts aren't rewarded with a recall (Provided obviously he gets in the first team at Sunderland)

**geysir** · 25/08/2009, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by as_i_say

Pride in top flight football went out the window years ago. Its all about the money now. And sadly that attitude imo, has crept into the Irish set up. Also imo, the vast majority of those playing in the premier league are nothing but money grabbing knuts.

Its not a huge honour to play for your country any more just a huge inconvenience.

The exception (S. Ireland)
proves the rule, that the vast majority consider it an honour to play for their country.

**SUB of the day** · 30/08/2009, 7:46 AM

Real closure at last in todays Guardian, "retiring remains my best decision ever"....."I have already made plans during International break".....( training at Glossop)....at least this should bring an end to the cringefest of chasing after an Irish man, pleading with him to play for his National side.In my opinion, the man is an embarrassment to his Town and Country.

**stiffler** · 30/08/2009, 9:18 AM

Quote fron guardian website:

The only bad news is that Ireland the player has no plans to resume playing for Ireland the country. "Nothing has changed on that front," he says. "Retiring still feels like the best decision I ever made. It gives me eight more days at Glossop for a start. I've already made plans to spend the international break training."

**Razors left peg** · 30/08/2009, 11:02 AM

Well he can do all the training he wants next summer too when we are playing in the World Cup

**carloz** · 30/08/2009, 11:18 AM

Shows the guys lack of ambition. Let him enjoy next summer and let him do all the training he wants next summer while we are in South Africa. Patethic by him IMO. He has shown a complete lack of balls and has again not given an actual reason why he has retired. Good riddance. I have always longed for him to come back but no more. Sad when you see players like Andy Reid, Morrison and plenty more who would walk over broken glass to put on that jersey, and then this guy just doesnt give two ****s about it

**brianw82** · 30/08/2009, 11:33 AM

It's in the Sunday Times too, don't know which paper carried the original. It seems pretty conclusive - he's not coming back. I think the only thing that'll ever make him change his mind is seeing the team in the WC next year, and knowing he could've been a part of it.

**apo11o** · 30/08/2009, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by brianw82

It's in the Sunday Times too, don't know which paper carried the original. It seems pretty conclusive - he's not coming back. I think the only thing that'll ever make him change his mind is seeing the team in the WC next year, and knowing he could've been a part of it.

I hope you mean South Africa

**eaststand85** · 30/08/2009, 11:48 AM

Had always been prepared to forgive and forget if SI decided to return but reading the article in today's Sunday Times he strikes me as a complete WUM. Quote of the year so far has to be when he speaks about City not being in Europe this year, "I don't like having Wednesday off, I'd prefer to be playing". Irony or what?

If you don't want to play for your country then that's your decision but in that case at least have the class to quietly go about your business without constantly being in the papers banging on about it and/or acting like a pr1ck tease and coyly suggesting you wouldn't rule anything out which if the pattern continues will be what the next interview from him (or his father) says.

**cestlavie** · 30/08/2009, 5:57 PM

Time to forget about this little pup, A fine player who has turned his back on his countr, someda he will have regrets about not pla ing but its time too close this chapter and look to the future and harness future prospects. I hope the next time he pla s m team in premiership the knock feck out of him.(Soz re spelling Ke board problems with one particular letter )

**SuperDub** · 30/08/2009, 9:05 PM

I would respect him more if he just went quietly but on the eve of every big international he comes out with these stupid statements and sadly the muppets in the irish media will be hassling the irish management for quotes instead of letting them concentrate on the Cyprus game.

I was never good enough to play football but i support my country with passion and yet this guy has a god given talent but couldnt be bothered to play for his country. Good riddance.

**geysir** · 30/08/2009, 9:15 PM

I don't think S Ireland is coming out with these statement as such. If he does an interview he will be asked. If he does one interview then that will be used as fodder for desperate hacks in a hundred papers looking to fill a few lines.

As SI has not said "never", I assume Eirebhoy will cling to that technicality to keep the thread here.