This year has been a mixed bag for Irish players based in Britain and beyond.

Jonathan Walters has described Tuesday’s dramatic equaliser against Germany as payback for the humiliating 6-1 loss in Dublin two years before.

In the week that was in it, and with the long awaited Euros kick off now just 24 hours away, a conversation with Kevin Kilbane could only begin with one question: was he too now ready to come out of international retirement?

Ireland international Darren O’Dea is without a club after choosing not to return to war-torn Ukraine.

Ireland caretaker manager Noel King has revealed he hoped to name Stephen Ireland in his first squad but, having established contact with the player, says he fully understands his reasons for postponing a return to international duty.

Andy Reid, Darron Gibson and Anthony Stokes have been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad in the wake of Giovanni Trapattoni’s departure.

Darren O’Dea is ready and willing to step into Richard Dunne’s boots if two World Cup qualifiers inside five days prove too much for him.

Marco Tardelli has said the Republic of Ireland need to get four points in their two World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria, but believes they can get all six.

James McCarthy belatedly joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad this morning after completing his deadline-day move to Everton.

Giovanni Trapattoni has urged his Republic of Ireland players to believe as they head into a potentially decisive World Cup double-header.

Republic of Ireland defender Marc Wilson is a slight doubt for the World Cup qualifier against Sweden because of an ankle injury.

Wales 0 Republic of Ireland 0

On trial for his club and now on trial for his country —that’s the situation Richard Dunne finds himself in on the eve of what would appear to be a make or break season for the defender.

Republic of Ireland international central defender Darren O’Dea has admitted his decision to leave Toronto FC for the Ukrainian side Metallurg Donetsk came down to one thing — money.

Wolves defender Richard Stearman could be available to Giovanni Trapattoni next season.

John O’ Shea has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Spain in New York on Tuesday following the death of his uncle.

If there’s one player, above all others, who personifies the concept of commitment to the Irish cause, then it must be Darren O’Dea.

Giovanni Trapattoni has challenged his Republic of Ireland players to prove they are every bit as good as England’s in Wednesday night’s friendly at Wembley.

Captain Robbie Keane will be fit to lead the Republic of Ireland into friendly battle with England at Wembley.

Ciaran Clark has warned his Republic of Ireland team-mates they will not be able to relax for a second as they attempt to dent Sweden’s hopes of World Cup qualification.

Giovanni Trapattoni is backing his defenders to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic at bay as the Republic of Ireland attempt to take a step towards World Cup qualification in Sweden.

Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Kelly has hit back at suggestions by manager Giovanni Trapattoni that he only wanted to join up with the squad if he was guaranteed to play.

David Forde is hoping his lucky break will earn him a World Cup adventure with the Republic of Ireland.

Midfielder Glenn Whelan admits next month’s double-header against Sweden and Austria could make or break the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has told defender Richard Dunne to save himself for next month’s World Cup qualifiers as he fights his way back from injury.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has hinted that he is unlikely to throw Richard Dunne back into action for tonight’s FA Cup visit to Millwall.

Reading defender Alex Pearce has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s friendly against Poland.

There was mixed injury news in defence for GiovanniTrapattoni yesterday as it was confirmed that long-termabsentee Sean St Ledger will not now need surgery to a troublesome hamstring problem, but a strain in the same area looks likely to keep John O’Shea out of Ireland’s February friendly with Poland.

They’re billing it as the austerity friendly but tonight’s game against Greece could yet prove rich in potential for a couple of emerging players and rising stars in their attempts to secure a more meaningful involvement when Ireland’s World Cup campaign resumes next March.

West Brom striker Shane Long has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for next week’s friendly against Greece after proving his fitness.

An influential factor in Giovanni Trapattoni’s reprieve as Irish manager was that, in the aftermath of the 1-4 win in the Faroes, senior Irish players continued to support the manager, with Keith Andrews saying his loss would represent a huge blow.

Robbie Keane planted himself firmly in Giovanni Trapattoni’s corner after helping the Republic of Ireland to a resounding 4-1 World Cup qualifier victory in the Faroe Islands.

Faroe Islands 1 Republic of Ireland 4

Faroe Islands 1-4 Republic of Ireland

The only way Republic of Ireland defender Darren O’Dea could describe last night’s record home defeat to Germany was by calling it an embarrassment.

A defiant Giovanni Trapattoni challenged his critics to find better players after seeing the Republic of Ireland humbled by Germany.

Republic of Ireland 1 Germany 6

Necessity has proved to be the mother of invention for Giovanni Trapattoni who has been forced by an injury crisis to set out a radically altered team in a fresh formation for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Germany at the Aviva Stadium.

When John O’Shea looks around the Republic of Ireland dressing room tomorrow evening, there will be some familiar faces missing.

For one seen mainly as an understudy, Darren O’Dea has featured in a few big productions on the international stage.

Marco Tardelli has insisted the Republic of Ireland will set out determined to beat Germany to boost their hopes of World Cup qualification.

A change in personnel is unavoidable and a change in formation a real possibility as Ireland prepare to take on Germany in the teeth of what Giovanni Trapattoni admits is the biggest injury crisis of his time as manager of Ireland.

Injury concerns for Ireland ahead of Friday’s big World Cup qualifying test against Germany have worsened with the news that Glenn Whelan is the latest player to emerge as a major doubt for the game.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is praying for a miracle after placing key defender Richard Dunne on standby for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Faroe Islands.