Manchester City Forums

Giovanni Trapattoni is trying to tempt City midfielder Stephen Ireland out of international exile in his bid to steer the Republic of Ireland to the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.

The Republic manager revealed after his team's 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in Sofia that he has been in contact again with Ireland, named the Blues' Player of the Year by supporters after his outstanding season.

Trapattoni said: "We have to know if he wishes to come back or not. I saw two or three City games and I like him, and I will try all possible ways to get him to come back. I want to know what he is thinking and Mark Hughes is not sure. He said it is up to him, but we do not know."

Ireland, 22, has made six appearances for the senior side and scored four goals after being called up by Steve Staunton, but has not played for the Republic since September 2007.

His City skipper Richard Dunne was inspirational in earning the point against qualification rivals Bulgaria that set up a crunch match in October with world champions Italy, who head Group Eight by just a point.

Ireland, who has just signed a new five-year deal at the City of Manchester Stadium, is spending his summer repeating the rigorous personal training programme that underpinned his improved performances last winter.

Peter Ferguson


That would help them alot.

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** I move away from the mic to breathe in.

Fair play to Trapattoni. He could easily have dug his heals in on this whole thing.

God, I hope the fans get behind him if he does come back.

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perhaps a complimentary Kleenex should be placed upon each seat at Eastlands this year?

Don't worry everyone knows he's miles better than whats playing at the moment. The rag fans in ireland (of which there are many) can hardly talk after what keane did in saipan.

The wankers will boo him. ROI fans are the most fickle bunch of idiots it has been my misfortune to sit with.

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And put on that wig I bought you. No, no, no, no. The reddish-brown one.

I agree.

I don't know which way it will go.

It only takes a few fucker booing to ruin the atmosphere.

... and then a cracker of a goal to get everyone cheering!

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And put on that wig I bought you. No, no, no, no. The reddish-brown one.