Stephen Deadline

Stephen Ireland may not get a chance to play for his country if they do reach the World Cup finals in South Africa next year. Giovanni Trapattoni has said if the current squad of players have reached the World Cup Finals without the Corkman playing in the qualifying campaign then he could not be brought along.

Stephen Ireland has played no part in an Irish squad since September 2007 and it is unlikely he will play in this campaign. If he were to change his mind it would want to be soon as the games are running out.

Trapattoni said

"We have discussed the Stephen Ireland situation before and we will see what happens. Maybe he will say 'I wish to come back.' Then we will consider.

"But if we qualify with this group of players, I do not think he can then say at the last minute that he is making himself available."