Kerr's demise opens door for Ireland

News: Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has insisted he is no bad boy as he sets his sights on reviving his Republic of Ireland career.

Ireland suffered a bitter bust-up with Brian Kerr a few years ago at a time when the former Republic of Ireland manager was coaching at under-age level. Ireland has not figured since, but with Kerr out of the picture after his departure two months ago, and with the 19-year-old now impressing for City, he is determined to represent his country.

"I had a fall-out with Brian before he became the senior coach that seemed to stop my progress with the Irish sides," said Ireland. I played in a friendly in Dublin, then we moved to my hometown of Cobh to play Germany.

"Not only was I not in the starting team, I wasn't even on the bench and I think that even surprised the other players. I was told to sit in the stands with the crowd. I was so upset, and to make it worse we lost 4-0.

"After the game Brian said there would be changes for the next match with France. But in the pre-match training session before that game he took the team and subs to one side and told me to train with the others who had been left out.

"It is fair to say I was astonished, and as we got on the bus later I asked him if I could go home to Manchester. He told me I would never play for Ireland again as long as he was in charge and that he would talk to me again at the hotel.

"When I met him he told me to get out of the Irish tracksuit and the hotel and arrange to be picked up. I left and haven't been involved since. I have nothing against Brian, just the way he dealt with the situation after pleading with me to join the squad in the first place and knowing my reservations in regard to missing vital matches for City. I got some bad press, but if Brian had approached me to draw a line in the sand I would have done so gladly. But I was painted as a bad boy and I am not."

Ireland is targeting a place in the squad for the March 1st friendly with Sweden at Lansdowne Road when it is anticipated a new manager will be in place. "I would love to play for Ireland, absolutely love it," said Ireland in the official Manchester City magazine.

"I don't know whether I am good enough, but there is only one way to really find out, and I suppose if I can hold down a place in City's side until then it will go in my favour."

It is more than likely, though, Ireland will initially figure for his country at under-21 level, with coach Don Givens' side to play in the Madeira Tournament from February 13th-18th.

There is also a home game with the Swedes on February 28th, and Givens said: "Stephen will be in my thoughts for Madeira, although it will all depend on his club situation at the time."