Tardelli says Trap set to meet Ireland

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI could meet with Stephen Ireland as early as next week as hopes rise that the country’s most famous absentee footballer is set to end his international exile.

Speaking in Monaghan, where the FAI will host their AGM later today, Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli confirmed Trapattoni plans to sit down with the Manchester City man as soon as possible.

“It’s possible it’s next week or it’s possible after the match against Australia (on August 12),” said Tardelli. “I don’t know, but soon.”

The Italian said that the Irish management team were encouraged by recent comments from Ireland who admitted he was thinking hard about a possible return to international duty and was planning to meet with Trapattoni.

Said Tardelli: “It’s good that Stephen Ireland says this in an interview. It’s OK. He’s a good player. He’s a player who is important for Ireland but we also have other important players. The players who have played until now have played very well. They have worked very hard. We are happy now. If Stephen Ireland wants to come back, we are happy, no problem.”

While the Australia friendly at Thomond Park in August would seem to provide an ideal platform for reintegrating Ireland into the squad, Tardelli sounded anxious that proceedings should not be rushed before the resumption of World Cup action away to Cyprus in September.

“I don’t know (if he will be back for Australia),” Tardelli said. “I hope. We need good players to go to South Africa. But I think Stephen Ireland doesn’t need to be there for a friendly game. We know him. I saw him 10 or 20 times in one year and Giovanni also. No problem.”

Reflecting on Ireland’s ability, Tardelli agreed that the player had enjoyed a hugely productive seasons with his club.

“For me, yes, my opinion is that Stephen Ireland is a good player,” said the assistant manager. “He won the Player of the Year award at Manchester City and they have players like Robinho.”

Meanwhile, there was speculation in Wolverhampton yesterday that Stephen Ireland’s team-mate Richard Dunne could be about to follow Kevin Doyle to Wolves, despite predictions that the Tallaght man was a top target of Steve Bruce at Sunderland. Either way, Tardelli finds it hard to fathom how the defender could be deemed surplus to requirements at Eastlands. He said: “Richard Dunne was very improved at the end of the season. He played very well for us in the last two games. I was very happy with him and Giovanni also.”