THE THREAT of repetition always lingers when writing about the international exile of Stephen Ireland. Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt has provided an especially rare player perspective that seems to stymie Ireland’s immediate return to the Irish set-up. Not that the Manchester City midfielder is overly enthusiastic about becoming Ireland’s prodigal son anyway.

“I don’t think he’ll come back,” said Hunt yesterday at the “Mars Summer of Sport” launch. “We’re probably better off forgetting about it until the campaign is finished. He has been the best player for Ireland this year in the Premier League by a country mile. He has been exceptional, there is no doubting that. But for now I don’t think he is going to come back to the Ireland set-up. You might say it will help the camp but it might also hinder the camp too. You never know.

“But if he comes back he would be a good player to have and he might get us that extra step to the World Cup – which we may need. But then again you tell someone who has been sitting in the wings waiting for a chance that he is not going to the World Cup because (Ireland) has come back in late doors. You might have a few players upset about it. Especially at this stage of the campaign. That’s fair enough, I think.”

Of course, this debate will continue so long as Ireland (both team and player) remain separated by whatever caused and then enhanced this rift. If manager Giovanni Trapattoni was to guide his side to South Africa next summer the calls for Ireland’s return, to Ireland, would be deafening, in some quarters anyway.

“If we qualify he won’t be coming back, I wouldn’t think. I would be very surprised if we went to the World Cup and Stephen Ireland said he was coming back.”

So the squad would have a problem with his return after earning qualification without him?

“If Stephen Ireland did come back then it would be a bonus for the team and everything else would have to work around it. But if he was to come back now it would come with extra media on the team at a time when it’s vitally important that we stay focused on qualifying for the World Cup.

“I’ve never had a problem with him when he’s been in the squad before. I think, to be honest with you, Stephen Ireland hasn’t said much. It’s more quotes coming from his Dad. It’s time to let it go. If Stephen Ireland has got something to say, let him say it. If not, don’t bloody write about it.”

On the comparable subject of newly-eligible players, after last week’s Fifa ruling, like Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Jamie O’Hara being selected, Hunt felt it essential to first question their desire.

“It’s difficult because you don’t know their personalities and what they are like. If you get someone like Kevin Kilbane who was singing Irish songs all the way home (from Sofia), it’s perfectly fine. But anything that betters the squad and the team morale – you would say you have to pick him.”

Hunt also confirmed his probable departure from Reading as a return to Premier League football is sought ahead of next season. The club priced him out of the market last summer but he remained loyal to their failed bid of promotion.

“Between me and the club a fresh challenge would be good for both of us. I had a chat with Nicky Hammond (Reading director of football) at the end of the season and he agreed with me. I said fair enough. We move on. If I’m at Reading then I’ll be 100 per cent committed to getting the club back in the Premier league.

“I’m looking to get back into the Premier League and in a World Cup year it would be vital for me.”