Ireland in contention for FAI award despite exile

STEPHEN IRELAND might still be on a self-imposed exile from international football but that hasn’t stopped him being nominated for a Young Player Of the Year gong in the 18th eircom/FAI International Awards, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ in February.

The Manchester City midfielder was one of the undoubted stars of Ireland’s failed European Championship campaign — his four goals a significant factor in keeping qualifying hopes alive at least past the midway point in the campaign.

Unfortunately, having just bagged his fourth in the 2-2 draw with Slovakia in Bratislava, Ireland promptly became embroiled in the notorious ‘Grannygate’ saga and hasn’t made himself available for selection in the green shirt since.