Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has today clarified the reason for his withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland squad after the 2-2 draw with Slovakia last weekend.

Ireland pulled out of the squad for the Republic's match against the Czech Republic in midweek, shortly after Saturday's draw in Slovakia. The midfielder cited the death of his grandmother - when in fact his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage.

In a statement on City's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk, Ireland explained: "I wish to explain the circumstances surrounding my departure from the Republic of Ireland international squad following the Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava last Saturday.

"When the game ended our manager Stephen Staunton took me outside the dressing room into the corridor, along with the Ireland team doctor.

"He told me that they had taken a call from my girlfriend, Jessica, and she said my grandmother had died.

"I was deeply shocked because I believed it was my maternal grandmother who had brought me up from when I was five.

"The manager went back into the dressing room to get my phone and when I got it I immediately rang my girlfriend to get more details.

"My girlfriend was distraught and explained that she had just suffered a miscarriage.

"Jessica said she was very lonely and wanted me to come home. She said she thought they might let me home quicker if they thought my grandmother had died.

Ireland then told Staunton that his maternal grandmother had died and that he wished to go home. The FAI organised a private jet to fly the midfielder home but soon afterwards discovered that his grandmother had not died.

"Early on Monday morning I got a phone call from Stephen Staunton telling me that the FAI had discovered my grandmother in Cork was not dead.

"He wanted to know what was going on and I told him that there had been a mistake and it had been my father's mother. I told him her name was Brenda Kitchener, that she lived in London.

"Jessica and I were still very upset over the miscarriage so we flew home to Ireland for a few days.

"On Thursday, I got a phone call from Manchester City stating that the FAI had discovered that my grandmother, Brenda Kitchener, was also alive.

"I decided at that stage that I must tell truth and admit I had told lies," said Ireland. "I realise now that it was a massive mistake on my part to tell the FAI and Manchester City that my grandmothers had died and I deeply regret it."

Ireland continued: "The miscarriage that Jessica suffered last Saturday has caused both of us a lot of heartache and had caused us both to panic.

"It was wrong and I sincerely apologise, particularly as I caused a lot of problems for many people.

"I would like to apologise to my grandmothers and all my family for any distress I have caused them.

"Ireland manager Stephen Staunton, my Ireland team-mates, the backroom staff and the FAI also deserve my profound apologies.

"I love playing for my country and am grateful for the understanding Mr Staunton and the FAI have shown to me since I told them the truth."