Stephen Ireland really, really wants to play for Ireland again, and he made sure we all know about it this weekend.
Firstly, in the first ever edition of the Irish Sun on Sunday, the Aston Villa midfielder gives an interview where he tells Mark May how he is now ready to play for his country again.
“I’ve matured and I’m in a better in life in life with my family and kids are at a good age that I can now focus on considering a return if the question was to come my way,” he said.
“Previously I was a young dad with a young family with little stability and no support network around me. I am now in a great place, my life is set and I’m more settled. I’m just concentrating on reproducing my best form for my club and see what happens from there.”
Sounds like the ball is in your court Trap. But as we found out when we asked you, we know you guys are not exactly calling for him to return just yet, with over 75 per cent of you saying no to a return for Ireland in a JOE poll earlier this month.
However, the Cork man is undaunted. “I love my country,” he said.”I have fond memories of my time in the green jersey, especially scoring the first goal at Croke Park.”
And Stephen’s other half, Jessica Lawlor was also out and about this weekend. The WAG appeared on the Saturday Night Show on RTE last night, telling Brendan O’Connor that Ireland wants to play for his country again.
But Ireland knows that the he is unlikely to get a call before the Euros, acknowledging that the lads who got us to Poland deserve the chance to play in the tournament. But if you’re going to Poland, keep an eye out for him, as Ireland hinted he may travel as a fan.
“I’m buzzin’ about the Euros and very excited about how we do. I’ll be supporting the team like a fan. The atmosphere in Poznan and Gdansk will be electric and I’d love to be part of it and celebrate it with the fans.”
So if you hear a knock on your tent in June it could be Ireland looking for somewhere to kip. Would you let him in?
