In yesterday’s poll, we asked if Stephen Ireland should be brought back into the Ireland squad. Not surprisingly, the answer was a resounding no.
Ireland’s recent run of good form for Aston Villa and his girlfriend’s somewhat bizarre plea for Stevie to play for Ireland again prompted talk about his potential return to the squad, but the prospect of it actually coming to pass was welcomed as much by our readers as it would probably be by Giovanni Trapattoni himself. In other words, not at all.
The reasons for the lack of support for Ireland seem pretty clear. He hasn’t played for us since the infamous Grannygate episode four years ago. He doesn’t even seem interested in coming back and if the likes of James McClean are going to be potentially overlooked because Trap wants to be loyal to the squad that got us to the Euros, then why should Ireland be welcomed back?
Nearly 600 JOE readers voted in the poll (see chart below) and over three quarters of them felt that we are better off without Ireland and the baggage he would ultimately bring to the squad.
Just under a quarter on the other hand, felt that he still has something to offer and should be given a shot.
The people have spoken, however, and it looks as if Stephen will be twiddling his thumbs while Robbie and the lads do their stuff in Polkraine in the summer. At least he’ll have his oversized fish tank to help keep him entertained.
