Stephen Ireland

**back of the net** · 17/01/2009, 6:48 PM

Originally Posted by Supreme feet

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** · 17/01/2009, 10:04 PM

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

**tetsujin1979** · 18/01/2009, 12:56 AM

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** · 18/01/2009, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Ciaran

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** · 18/01/2009, 1:49 PM

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/socc...d-1605970.html

**richieos** · 18/01/2009, 1:51 PM

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...d-1605970.html

**aidz1** · 18/01/2009, 3:14 PM

Originally Posted by richieos

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...d-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

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

**geysir** · 18/01/2009, 8:19 PM

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** · 19/01/2009, 12:01 AM

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** · 20/01/2009, 2:16 PM

Originally Posted by Ciaran

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** · 20/01/2009, 2:17 PM

Originally Posted by Ciaran

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** · 20/01/2009, 2:25 PM

Originally Posted by Ciaran

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** · 20/01/2009, 9:54 PM

Originally Posted by Ciaran

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** · 20/01/2009, 9:56 PM

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** · 20/01/2009, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**eirebhoy** · 20/01/2009, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Manblue

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** · 20/01/2009, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

He actually does under FIFA rules.

really? whats the rule?

**back of the net** · 20/01/2009, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

The FAI...Dont!

**tetsujin1979** · 20/01/2009, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by Manblue

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** · 20/01/2009, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

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