Stephen Ireland pulls out of squad

**Armando** · 09/10/2007, 2:16 PM

...saying he could not do himself or his country justice!
I am dumbfounded

**carloz** · 09/10/2007, 2:17 PM

Is this for real???

**elroy** · 09/10/2007, 2:19 PM

Dont think so.

**Armando** · 09/10/2007, 2:21 PM

It's for real alright! SSN are reporting it now

**Stuttgart88** · 09/10/2007, 2:22 PM

Alex Bruce, Ireland's natural replacement, called up instead.

I guess Liam Miller is on standby as centre-back!

**paul_oshea** · 09/10/2007, 2:22 PM

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/mhmhkfmhidcw/

what does he mean by that?! he is chickening out for fear of abuse. **** goodbye for good.

**Dodge** · 09/10/2007, 2:23 PM

From Man City official site

" have thought long and hard about whether I would do my country and myself justice if I joined up with the squad. Unfortunately, I don't believe I would on this occasion.

"The support I have received from Mr Staunton and the FAI has been excellent and everybody at Manchester City has also been superb. However, I do not believe I can make a positive contribution to our efforts to qualify."

**Stuttgart88** · 09/10/2007, 2:25 PM

Meanwhile, City manager Sven Goran Eriksson admitted the entire affair was unsatisfying for all sides.

“This is disappointing for everybody," he said. "Steve Staunton and I have been working together to help Stephen through a period which he is clearly finding very difficult.

"We together have left no stone unturned in our efforts to convince him he has so much to offer his country and that international football will greatly benefit his long term career. I hope that Stephen will soon feel stable enough to resume his international career.”

**gustavo** · 09/10/2007, 2:26 PM

Strange one , presumably he still thinks he can make a positive contribution to Manchester City.

**Danny** · 09/10/2007, 2:27 PM

Done well for City in the last couple of games, nearly scored on sunday v boro too.... think he's afraid he mite get some abuse as a scapegoat for our campaign going out the window (mathematically) this w/e

**feo123** · 09/10/2007, 2:27 PM

because ireland are so much better than man city at the moment??!

**tricky_colour** · 09/10/2007, 2:27 PM

Seems to me like he doesn't want to play for Ireland. He didn't want to play under Kerr too did he? Better off without him anyway.

**drummerboy** · 09/10/2007, 2:27 PM

Distinct lack of character. Not prepared to face up to his responsibilities.

**tricky_colour** · 09/10/2007, 2:28 PM

Originally Posted by gustavo

Strange one , presumably he still thinks he can make a positive contribution to Manchester City.

Yes otherwise he won't get fooking paid

**Sligo Hornet** · 09/10/2007, 2:32 PM

VERY DISAPPOINTING ATTITUDE

......this was his chance to "pay back" the loyalty and good feeling shown towards him during his recent personal crisis......who is advising him?

**Hibs4Ever** · 09/10/2007, 2:32 PM

Should never be called to play for his country again

**carloz** · 09/10/2007, 2:33 PM

I hope Stan comes out and says that he will be no longer picked for ireland while he is boss. Its about time he grew some balls. Carsley got vilified a few years back for semi retiring to try and force his way back into Evertons team.....there is nothing wrong with Ireland, he has played the last 3 games for City and played 90 minutes of their game at the weekend. the guy is messed up in the head and now i understand Kerr's feelings about him

**Claret Murph** · 09/10/2007, 2:33 PM

Shame really , I would have been right behind him and I am sure thousands would have been the same .

**bwagner** · 09/10/2007, 2:36 PM

he has some nerve - he owes Irish fans - If that grade A retard Stan does not now called up Miller out of PURE stubbornness i will go mental

**drinkfeckarse** · 09/10/2007, 2:37 PM

It sounds as if he's worried about the reaction of the fans alright. Very disappointing decision, I'd like to know who is advising him because he'll do well to have any sort of international career after this.