Ireland's turmoil persists

SOCCER:A month after parting company with the Irish squad in Bratislava in confused and controversial circumstances, Stephen Ireland yesterday announced that he would not be travelling to Dublin for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Germany and Cyprus.

Once again, it seems, the emotional turmoil that has afflicted the 21-year-old in recent weeks has rendered him incapable of building on what has been a remarkable start to a hugely promising international career.

There were no specifics from the Manchester City midfielder this time as to why he felt the need to withdraw from the squad, only a brief statement to the effect that he does not feel up to the task now and an acknowledgement that he is receiving all the support he could ask for.

"I have thought long and hard about whether I would do my country and myself justice if I joined up with the squad," Ireland was quoted as saying. "Unfortunately, I don't believe I would on this occasion.

"The support I have received from Mr Staunton and the FAI has been excellent," he continued, "and everybody at Manchester City has also been superb. However, I do not believe I can make a positive contribution to our efforts to qualify."

Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve Staunton were vague, too, with regard to the particular nature of Ireland's difficulties but neither left much doubt that they believe the Corkman is encountering the sort of emotional problems at present that demand both patience and understanding from those around him.

In a statement issued through City's press office, the Swede observed that he and Staunton "have been working together to help Stephen through a period which he is clearly finding very difficult". The former England manager, who had been quoted in yesterday's Manchester Evening News heaping lavish praise upon the player for his performance in the weekend's win over Middlesbrough, went on to suggest that the issue of being involved with the Irish squad is an issue of particular significance for Ireland at present.

"We have left no stone unturned in our efforts to convince him he has so much to offer his country and that international football will greatly benefit his long-term career. I hope that Stephen will soon feel stable enough to resume his international career."

What is perhaps most surprising about Ireland's withdrawal is that it comes at a time when he has been playing so well for his club. "I would like to see the statistics from the Middlesbrough game because the work-rate he produced on Sunday was absolutely incredible," Eriksson had observed prior to yesterday's developments. "He is a fantastic footballer and has shown that in the last few games. He ran for miles on Sunday against Boro, showed good discipline and was tactically very aware. And he can only get better and better."

His record for the Republic since making his debut in Staunton's first game in charge, the 3-0 win over Sweden at the start of last year, is four goals in six games and while he did not play particularly well against Slovakia, he did score one of the team's two goals.

That sort of impact makes it easy to understand why Staunton has sought to be so accommodating to the 21-year-old at what is apparently a very testing time for him.

"We want the boy," said the manager yesterday. "We know he's being well looked after. Sven-Goran Eriksson and Man City are doing everything for him. It's down to the lad now. We have to respect his situation. We do know he's got troubles. But it's only Stevie that can deal with them."

Asked if he had been in touch with the player Staunton revealed that there have been extensive talks with the Louthman having tried to persuade the midfielder to travel. "We've been in constant contact for the last week," he said. "I've been up to Man City's training ground and everything. We've been in discussions the whole week. We named him in the squad but he doesn't feel he's up for it. It's unfortunate but, as I say, you've got to respect his wishes. And, again, the most important thing here is that Stevie gets himself right. And, hopefully, the sooner the better."

Pressed on why the player has a particular problem with playing for his country at present Staunton said he simply doesn't know. "I can't answer for Stevie. We've tried to get to the bottom of it but it's going to take time because he has issues.

"I think at this moment in time he feels safe in the Manchester environment and obviously his treatment (Ireland is receiving counselling) is just around the corner. That's playing a vital part for him. So, for him to come away for 10 days could be detrimental."

While Ireland stays in Manchester with the aim of sorting out his personal problems, Staunton has a couple of work-related ones to contend with here. Andy O'Brien was pulled out of the squad yesterday by Bolton Wanderers, apparently on the basis of a kidney complaint while Andy Reid emerged as a major doubt for Saturday's game against the Germans due to a swollen ankle.

Alex Bruce, the Ipswich Town central defender who is a son of Birmingham City manager Steve, has now been called into the squad. The 23-year-old was on the trip to the United States at the start of the summer and played 90 minutes against Ecuador but one suspects that Staunton would not be entirely comfortable if he ends up having to start him against the Germans.

John O'Shea, who was due in from Manchester yesterday afternoon, remains on course to play, however, as does Shay Given despite missing training yesterday due to his participation in a fundraiser for a cancer charity on Monday night in Newcastle.

Staunton's only other concern as of yesterday afternoon was Wolverhampton midfielder Darren Potter who picked up a light knock in training with his club last week.

The former Liverpool player looks set to be joined at Molineux over the next week or so by Manchester United's Republic of Ireland international Darron Gibson with manager Mick McCarthy seeking to secure a three-month loan deal for the midfielder before the club returns to Championship action following the international break.