It’s Ireland’s call, but troubled Stephen entitled to some space

MINUTES before the media gathered at Gannon Park in Malahide yesterday for a post-training briefing from Steve Staunton, the news broke via the Manchester City website that Stephen Ireland had withdrawn from the Irish squad.

Minutes later, the Irish manager was facing the press, responding thoughtfully and generously to the latest sensational development in the star-crossed career of the young Cobh footballer.

However, the breaking news would not have seemed quite so sensational to the Irish manager, who had known for some days that it might be coming and finally had it confirmed for him by the player on Monday.