Will Ireland Make New Years Call?

Delaney added, "I think it is also fair to say that Trapattoni has met the player, that the channels of communication are there and they are now open to the player to come back.

"As Giovanni has reiterated the lines of communication are open to the player and it is up to the player to say he is in or he is out. "If he says he wants to come back then I am sure everyone will be pleased to have him back."

Trapattoni met with Ireland when he took up the Irish manager's job back in May, and has also watched the player in action for Manchester City against Fulham in recent weeks.

Assistant managers Marco Tardelli and Liam Brady have also monitored Ireland's outstanding form for City this season.

"Giovanni was at the Man City-Fulham game a few weeks ago and he has met him previously as we all know," added Delaney.

"He has kept all channels open to the player. There have been different things said in the media with people asking will he come back or won't he.

"But the only way Stephen can make it clear is to use those channels of communication to speak to the manager. Those communication lines are open now, absolutely."

Ireland himself again admitted to difficulties regarding his international comeback in an English newspaper interview on Saturday.

"So much has gone on behind closed doors that I feel it's almost too difficult for me to go back," said Ireland. "But I've come out a stronger and better person so it's not something that worries me now."

The FAI are aware of Ireland's latest comments, but Delaney has also welcomed his father's confirmation that the player was not bullied when he was part of the international squad.

"I knew that there was no bullying going on and last week's article cleared that up," said the FAI boss.

With the resumption of World Cup duty almost upon us Delaney, Trapattoni and the FAI would like to resolve the Ireland issue as soon as possible.

"It would be nice to have clarity but we are all around football long enough now to know that when this one is solved one way or another there will be another one," claimed Delaney.

"From Giovanni's perspective I am sure he would like to have clarity on it, as would the football public."

McGeady Still Out

Irish winger Aiden McGeady could take his dispute with Celtic boss Gordon Strachan all the way to the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

McGeady, banned for two weeks and heavily fined after a dressingroom bust-up, was left out of Sunday's 3-0 win over Falkirk by the Scottish League leaders.

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Nster.com