Will Ireland Make New Years Call?

Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni has again urged Stephen Ireland to make the phone call that can resurrect his international career and revive his World Cup dream early next year.

Trapattoni could even welcome Ireland back in time for the World Cup qualifier against Georgia at Croke Park next February after the player's father Michael claimed he is ready to return.

"Mr. Trapattoni has been following the Stephen Ireland situation and will continue to follow it," said an FAI spokesman.

"His position in relation to Stephen is very clear and has not changed. The door remains open for Stephen to declare himself available for his country.

"If Stephen wishes to do this, all he has to do is make contact through channels he is well aware of."

FAI chief executive John Delaney has also welcomed the prospect of a return for Ireland.

"Any football fan including myself can see that Stephen Ireland is playing great football at the moment and would be an asset to any squad," Delaney told Star Sunday.

Cork-born Ireland walked out on his country after the 2-2 European Championship draw with Slovakia in Bratislava in what became known as Grannygate.

After claiming that two of his grandmothers had died, Ireland eventually revealed that his girlfriend Jessica had suffered a miscarriage after the FAI had paid for a private jet to bring him back to England.

Ireland hasn't played for his country since, repeatedly shunning approaches from first Steve Staunton, then Trapattoni, and his City teammate Richard Dunne.

A week ago the story moved forward again, however, when Ireland's father and the player both claimed that he could return in 2009.

Irish fans welcomed the news as Trapattoni's side look to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010, and the FAI are keen for Ireland to return as well.

​
Nster.com