Stephen Ireland ‘will see’ about representing Ireland in Polkraine

Bounty Hunter

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

If he was genuinely interested in coming back I'm sure he'd first contact the likes of Dunne, Keane and Given. I doubt they' be opposed to it and they'd likely get in touch with the rest of the lads. I doubt Trap would be opposed to it in such a scenario.

If the players and management were happy with it I would be too. It would require good PR on the part of the FAI and the man himself. Ultimately I'd love to see it happen as when he's on form he's miles better than anything else we've got.

I don't think he will want to return though.

i'd agree with this myself but...

Will he go to the euros: No
Should he go to the euros: No
Will Trap make the first move to get him back: No
Will he join the WC campaign: doubt it but like Mr Ireland I wouldnt totally rule it
Should he join the WC squad: If he is playing good enough and he contacts trap first being all humble and trap + the staff/players are alright with it and they dont screw up the PR for it the why the hell not

Mr.Nice Guy

Dots1982 wrote: »

I would say your completely wrong there, would think all members of the squad would have a major problem.

Basing this on Keane's previous comments on the guys that missed the macedonia home game due to dubious reasons (wilson, gibson & some one else), Dunnes tired response of being asked about Stephen ireland. The spirit in the squad has got to a very good level and I would say that means if your inside the camp your on the inside and if your on the outside of the camp your not wanted around.

Ireland is working with the three leaders of the Irish dressing room at the minute. I highly doubt they have a major personal problem with the guy. Given and Dunne know him well from their time at Man City.

The likelihood is they would probably gather the players together (I think this may have been done after Roy Keane declared he wanted to return) and I'm not aware of major disharmony resulting from that.

It would depend on how it's handled but I think the players and staff would be more easily won over than the fans.

Father Damo

pickarooney wrote: »

Irish fans really like to hate players much more than they like to like them.

No we dont. Say Paul McShane, he is god awful, but I dont hate him as such. I wish him well in a career in (probably) low tier football, but I dont hate him. I just think hes too awful to be near the national team.

For ages posters here were going way over the top, wishing every bad thing on him and that his career would fall apart. Then it did, and the jeering stopped because it's not really all that much fun to kick a guy when he's down as we thought it would be.

I loved it when it looked like he was washed up. I was of the opinion that by 30 S Ireland would be on the "Where are they Now" shows, showing him doing youth coaching at Crawley Town.

I also loved it when it looked like Henry was headed for the US graveyard of medicocrity being honest.

It's far more fun to wait until he's playing well and then start off the old bull**** about Ireland for Ireland again.

No.

He is now part of a team that has a 4/11 starting lineup of Irish, and starts dropping hints. No thanks.

Ganymede Glow

This reminds me of the that scene in Friends when Ross closes the door on that Italian fella Paolo.

"Stephen, I think I speak for all of us when I say......(bam door closes)"

Raskolnikov

sugarman wrote: »

LOL I think 90% of the posters in here did'nt even read that article...

Interviewer asked a question, Ireland gave an answer that basically said never say never about a return, Interviewer turns it around taking the 'we'll see' bit out of context & adds in 'Poland&Ukraine'.

Typical journalist.

Why people are even debating it is beyond me - his position hasn't changed and even if he begged Trap, he will not be going.

Dots1982

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Ireland is working with the three leaders of the Irish dressing room at the minute. I highly doubt they have a major personal problem with the guy. Given and Dunne know him well from their time at Man City.

To know someone isn't to like someone

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

The likelihood is they would probably gather the players together (I think this may have been done after Roy Keane declared he wanted to return) and I'm not aware of major disharmony resulting from that.

It would depend on how it's handled but I think the players and staff would be more easily won over than the fans.

Roy Keane was a completely different case where at least half the country supported him in saipan and once mccarthy left about 80-90% of the country wanted him back. He is also a great player

SI is a complete head the ball who is inconsisent but good on his day. Most of the country despise him. He claims to have never felt part of the irish setup and has made various accusations of an anti-cork bias, claims of dead grandmothers, unrespectful managers who didn't roll out the red carpet for him to return.

The likes of stephen hunt have spoken ill of him as well. I don't see any evidence he would be wanted or even accepted back. In fact I'd say there would be open revolt if he was selected.

Doesn't make any difference as there is more chance of Trappatoni taking the reins at barcelona then there is of him picking SI.

Non-story

Mr.Nice Guy

Dots1982 wrote: »

To know someone isn't to like someone



Roy Keane was a completely different case where at least half the country supported him in saipan and once mccarthy left about 80-90% of the country wanted him back. He is also a great player

SI is a complete head the ball who is inconsisent but good on his day. Most of the country despise him. He claims to have never felt part of the irish setup and has made various accusations of an anti-cork bias, claims of dead grandmothers, unrespectful managers who didn't roll out the red carpet for him to return.

The likes of stephen hunt have spoken ill of him as well. I don't see any evidence he would be wanted or even accepted back. In fact I'd say there would be open revolt if he was selected.

Doesn't make any difference as there is more chance of Trappatoni taking the reins at barcelona then there is of him picking SI.

Non-story

They don't have to like the guy just be willing to work with him.

I agree with you this is a non-story and I don't see it happening. All I'm saying is it could happen if there was a will on Ireland's part for it to happen. I would see the chain of events a bit like this:

- Ireland let's it be known to Dunne, Given and Keane that he would like to return down the line.
- The message is relayed to Trap who relays it to others internally within the association.
- Calls are made to the rest of the squad letting them know the situation and getting their views on it.
- Kites are then flown in the media with statements from the likes of Dunne saying 'Stephen tells me he wants to return and I'd be broadly in favour of it' etc. Trap would come out with some line about how the door is always open and 'I said he only needed to get in contact' etc..

This sort of step by step process would be done with the aim of winning the fans around. Would they win all the fans around? No. Then again they weren't able to do this with Roy Keane either. They just need to handle it in such a way as to win enough people around and if the players and staff are happy I reckon most fans will be satisfied.

As I say I don't see this happening soon but it could happen one day if the guy wants to return. I think the main thing is that he concentrates on continuing his recent club form.

Dots1982

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

They don't have to like the guy just be willing to work with him.

Well thats where you and me differ. In my view he's already burnt his bridges and the team wouldn't accept him back, somethings are just broke or gone no matter how much diplomacy or nice words you use.

Helix

Father Damo wrote: »

Nothing gets me more than Irish club fans excusing Stephen Irelands wankerism. Or Thierry Henrys conduct now that he is back. Both ****, and people putting club aspirations over the impact these people had on the national team, words fail me.

i couldn't give a toss about the irish national team. it's as relevant or interesting to me as the iranian team. if ireland doesnt want to play for his country, more power to him, i couldn't care less.

what does irritate me are the threads that pop up every time the guy so much as lifts his cheek to fart. he doesnt want to play for ireland, get over it. as a professional that is his call

once he's playing well for villa im happy. and he has been.

aidan24326

Your Airbag wrote: »

http://www.thescore.ie/stephen-ireland-will-see-about-representing-ireland-in-polkraine-329062-Jan2012/

Do we want him back?

Would his inclusion unsettle the squad?

Discuss.

Definitely not.

Helix wrote: »

i couldn't give a toss about the irish national team. it's as relevant or interesting to me as the iranian team. if ireland doesnt want to play for his country, more power to him, i couldn't care less.

what does irritate me are the threads that pop up every time the guy so much as lifts his cheek to fart. he doesnt want to play for ireland, get over it. as a professional that is his call

once he's playing well for villa im happy. and he has been.

Your attitude makes me sick.

Helix

aidan24326 wrote: »

Your attitude makes me sick.

it's not an attitude

i don't like international football. i see it as pointless endeavour that has long outlived its importance and relevance. it's not the top level of the game any more. it's a bunch of overpaid individuals getting together to play with each other every so often

they're not together long enough to build proper understanding and teamwork. the managers have to make do with half arsed training times and players crying off sick

the tactics are often dont lose at all costs, rather than looking for wins

as i say, it's not an attitude, it's a preference. no different to the chap who doesn't like f1 but likes motocross or whatever comparisons you'd like to draw

GLaDOS

Read the article ffs, at no point does he say he's thinking about coming back (actually he says the opposite). Tabloid drivel.

“It’s not really a question I have to answer because it’s not a question that has come to me. I’ll see when it comes to me. It’s not something I think about. It’s not frustrating, no. I’ve not been playing for so long [with Ireland] that I’m not missing it. I’m just going to concentrate on my club football.”

He basically says if he was asked, he'd think about it then.

Samich

Hey what's the difference in telling a player "go **** off" and calling them a twat? Still abusive, both of them.

Ormus

Seems like only about 4 people here have noticed that it's a bogus headline.

He at no stage says that he will see. All he says is that he hasn't been asked so there is nothing to answer.

He is a contrary guy who made some stupid excuses for not playing for his country and then got annoyed and never came back. There is little point in hating him.

Trap won't be bringing anyone to Poland who didn't play a part in the qualifiers so that's an end to it.

eagle eye

Everytime the Republic of Ireland plays I want them to win and if Stephen Ireland improves their chances then I'd have no problem with him being brought into the squad. I don't hold grudges and I don't care for people that do.

Stevecw

Nowhere in that article does it say he def will be back anytime soon. Seems like he prob wud tho if asked (now that we are in a finals!) Suddenly it kinda suits him again to play for us.

There is zero chance of Trap contacting him and rightly so. The guy has talent and seems to be hitting a bit of form again (i even brought him into my FF team last week!) but if he really wants to play for us again, he can wait till WC qualifiers start in Sept.

stovelid

I see the ole ole police are readying the truncheons for the national mong fest in June.

People can choose to prioritize club over country if they want.

Their business.

hadepsx

s.ireland will never play for ireland while trap is in charge. anyways he can go n fu*** himself d selfish fool. his actions have been shocking, any sane person would jump at d chance to play for his/her country.

Paparazzo

Helix wrote: »

it's not an attitude

i don't like international football. i see it as pointless endeavour that has long outlived its importance and relevance. it's not the top level of the game any more. it's a bunch of overpaid individuals getting together to play with each other every so often

they're not together long enough to build proper understanding and teamwork. the managers have to make do with half arsed training times and players crying off sick

the tactics are often dont lose at all costs, rather than looking for wins

as i say, it's not an attitude, it's a preference. no different to the chap who doesn't like f1 but likes motocross or whatever comparisons you'd like to draw

But you have no problem watching Villa?? Not the top level of the game, a bunch of overpaid individuals getting together to play with each other, tactics are often don't lose at all costs rather than looking for wins??

Teams not going for the win happens in club football as often as international. And it's nothing like not likeing motocross if you like F1. International football and club football is the same sport!

Gringo180

This tosspot should never be allowed don the green jersey again, Trap wont take him back thankfully!

Krusader

Speaking as a Villa fan, i hope he never plays for Ireland again, ever.


Probably the banter between Dunne Given and Keane about the Euros in the changing room is getting to him, probably thinking of what could've been

Crazy Horse 6

No thanks Stephen we don't need players with hearts the size of a peanut.

Crazy Horse 6

Helix wrote: »

i couldn't give a toss about the irish national team. it's as relevant or interesting to me as the iranian team. if ireland doesnt want to play for his country, more power to him, i couldn't care less.

what does irritate me are the threads that pop up every time the guy so much as lifts his cheek to fart. he doesnt want to play for ireland, get over it. as a professional that is his call

once he's playing well for villa im happy. and he has been.

So you won't be putting the bunting up for the boys in green next June then?

Luap

What if his Gran dies?....





Again! :eek:

wandatowell

Too late for him, bridges burnt

FatherTed

He is not mature enough to represent us again.

smokedeels

The lad needs to get his head out of his ar$e and decide what he wants.

His form has improved in recent weeks but the other baggage is still there.

Seaneh

hadepsx wrote: »

s any sane person would jump at d chance to play for his/her country.

Just like Paul Scholes, Eric Cantona, Kevin Prince Boateng all did when they retired from international football early...

Helix

Paparazzo wrote: »

But you have no problem watching Villa?? Not the top level of the game, a bunch of overpaid individuals getting together to play with each other, tactics are often don't lose at all costs rather than looking for wins??

Teams not going for the win happens in club football as often as international. And it's nothing like not likeing motocross if you like F1. International football and club football is the same sport!

correct, i have no problem watching villa. i am a fan of club football, i am not a fan of international football

what's so hard to grasp here?

do you watch league of ireland football? its the same sport as international football, why do you watch one and not the other?

GLaDOS

Seaneh wrote: »

Just like Paul Scholes, Eric Cantona, Kevin Prince Boateng all did when they retired from international football early...

In fairness Cantona mightn't quite qualify as sane

Helix

Stevecw wrote: »

Seems like he prob wud tho if asked (now that we are in a finals!) Suddenly it kinda suits him again to play for us.

nothing anywhere in the article suggests anything like that

read the fcuking article, not the headline

Your Airbag

The latest from Stephen, he wants back in.

“I do love my country and I hope to get back playing for Ireland again.”

http://www.irishcentral.com/sport/Stephen-Ireland-wants-to-play-for-Ireland-again-he-says-140481223.html

Ireland would surely offer more creatively than Andrews or Whelan but I doubt we will see him play for Ireland until after the Euros.

McClean might have a chance though.

Bounty Hunter

Your Airbag wrote: »

The latest from Stephen, he wants back in.

“I do love my country and I hope to get back playing for Ireland "[\quote]

Good, glad to hear it tbh. He won't be going to the euros though and anything else said about that as a possibility is a little silly (IMO of course)

splashthecash

Your Airbag wrote: »

The latest from Stephen, he wants back in.

“I do love my country and I hope to get back playing for Ireland again.”

http://www.irishcentral.com/sport/Stephen-Ireland-wants-to-play-for-Ireland-again-he-says-140481223.html

Ireland would surely offer more creatively than Andrews or Whelan but I doubt we will see him play for Ireland until after the Euros.

McClean might have a chance though.

I can tell you what I'd say to him, and it rhymes with "Puck off"

McClean deserves a shot though - for sure! You can see by his reaction at being selected, thats the kind of patriotism you need for internation football.

GLaDOS

Sounds like he's being fairly rational about it, I wouldn't be against him being in the squad for the WC qualifiers.

Kirby

He doesn't fit into traps 4-2-2-2 system at all. If we played with three in midfield guys like Ireland, O'Hara, Hoolihan, McCarthy etc. would be quite useful. But trap likes his defensive players who have a shot on them so Whelan and Andrews are his best options.

From a moral stand point I wouldn't include him in the polkraine squad. He walked away and shoudn't be able to just walk back in. Thats his punishment. However I would consider him for the World cup qualifiers if his form merritted it for Villa. Which it won't under Big Eck as he is an awful manager who sucks the spark out of any team.

kevohmsford

I would not like to see Stephen Ireland anywhere near the Ireland squad for the championships. Maybe a year ago but now he does not deserve to go.

Sin City

Stephen england is a bit of a oddball
He was slagged off about his hair the last time he was in the squad which was one of the reasons for his exile, imagine the slagging he will get now over granny gate and everything else. Stephen hunt hates him. There is no way he is going to the euroes, james mccarthy deserves his place in the squad.

Maybe he will come back for the world cup qualifiers, but I have my doubts

HalloweenJack

I have no problem with him coming back into the side at a future date but if he were only to come back now having been away for so long would be infuriating and insulting.

It'd be a terrible idea to bring him as I imagine most of the current squad would be pissed off at him for, seemingly, coasting in, IF he were.

EDIT: Heavily edited after ScienceNerd's correction.

invinciblePRSTV

Kirby wrote: »

However I would consider him for the World cup qualifiers if his form merritted it for Villa. Which it won't under Big Eck as he is an awful manager who sucks the spark out of any team.

He's actually played well at times when selected by Eck, most memorably at Chelsea. But like you say, he doesn't fit into Trapp's system.

GLaDOS

HalloweenJack wrote: »

He can **** off, tbh.

He's had no part to play in our qualification but now he wants to step in for the glory part? No thanks.

He said the exact opposite of that.

CSF

I'd have him back. Only because of how poor the alternatives are though.

Drummerboy2

I think he would be devaluing the Irish jersey if he was ever to wear it again. He has shown a total lack of respect towards the national team and doesn't deserve another chance.

HalloweenJack

ScienceNerd wrote: »

He said the exact opposite of that.

homerjay2005

the only way he will play in the euros is if we get the most horrific injury crisis of all time and about 5 midfield players drop out.

its going to be hard enough for the likes of Mccarthy, Gibson and Coleman to keep/earn their place in teh aquad, the likes of keogh and lawrence also are not assured of their place.

trap rewards loyalty, i cant see there being any other way of ireland playing in the euros and to be honest, i doubt the lad would even ask for it.

at best, if this story every comes through, he would be a qualifier for the next world cup player and thats it.

aidan24326

There is no chance at all of him playing in the Euros. Absolutely none. He's not welcome to that party and won't be invited. Full Stop.

BUT, if he wants to rejoin the Ireland setup for the WC Qualifiers and he genuinely wants to give it a go and leave the past in the past then I'd certainly consider him. Given his patchy form over the last while he wouldn't be the automatic choice he might have been 2 or 3 years ago, but if he wanted to fight for his place alongside everyone else and was genuine about it I'd see no reason not to give him a chance.

kfallon

Why would he be asked in the first place, is he not a retired International now?

He's no loss tbh!

Stevecw

aidan24326 wrote: »

There is no chance at all of him playing in the Euros. Absolutely none. He's not welcome to that party and won't be invited. Full Stop.

BUT, if he wants to rejoin the Ireland setup for the WC Qualifiers and he genuinely wants to give it a go and leave the past in the past then I'd certainly consider him. Given his patchy form over the last while he wouldn't be the automatic choice he might have been 2 or 3 years ago, but if he wanted to fight for his place alongside everyone else and was genuine about it I'd see no reason not to give him a chance.

That would be exactly my thoughts on it too.
Def no way does he have any chance of being part of the finals, and he obviously knows that too.
But a fresh campaign starts in Sept and if he is playing well then, he should be part of the squad. But at the moment he is struggling to get into a bad Villa team, so may sort that situation out 1st before he deserves a spot in Irish squad.

losthorizon

I have no problems with Mr Stephen Ireland going to Polkraine. Luckily the EC are on in Poland and the Ukraine. SSHHHHH Don't tell him.

eire4

Drummerboy2 wrote: »

I think he would be devaluing the Irish jersey if he was ever to wear it again. He has shown a total lack of respect towards the national team and doesn't deserve another chance.

That I agree with wholeheartedly. It is his complete lack of respect for the national team and his past behaviour which for me would mean he should never play for Ireland again. Lets not forget his disrespect and disgraceful behaviour go all the way back to his days with the Irish youth teams. It is not like the lad has not already been given a second chance as it is.