Hunt: Ireland ‘let the side down’ but would be welcomed back

STEPHEN HUNT has said that he would like to see Stephen Ireland back in the international fold, but he has also criticised the Cobh man for “letting the side down” when he left the Irish camp in controversial circumstances after last year’s World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.

Speaking on RTÉ’s ‘Tubridy Tonight’ on Saturday, the Reading man said his fellow midfielder would be welcomed back by the Irish players, but suggested that Ireland could expect “a slagging” over the background to his exile.

Recent reports from Ireland’s club Manchester City have cast doubt on the player’s desire to return to international duty, although it is expected that Giovanni Trapattoni, when he takes over as Irish manager next month, will attempt to change his mind.