GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI confirmed yesterday that he spoke with Stephen Ireland before the Bulgaria game in June but says that he remains unsure about if or when the Manchester City midfielder will make himself available for international duty again.

“I wish that he comes back but at the moment I would say it’s about 50-50,” said the Italian.

“I will call him or wait for him to call me. We cannot rely on what reporters write, saying that Stephen Ireland is coming back but then him saying: ‘I’m not ready’.

“It’s important that he decides to come back, that playing for his country is important to him. I hope that he decides: “Yes”. He’s young but my feeling is, I know, it’s 50-50.” Trapattoni said there was no arrangement for him to make contact while watching some games.

“I will be watching Manchester City because of Shay Given and Richard Dunne but sometimes it is difficult to talk to a player after a game. I have no plans to change my number, though, and I don’t think Stephen has either.”