Tardelli open to discussing Ireland’s return to Republic fold

MARCO TARDELLI says that, once Ireland’s opening two European Championship qualifiers are out of the way, he and Giovanni Trapattoni would be prepared to discuss a return to the international squad with Stephen Ireland.

Ireland himself raised that possibility at an Aston Villa press conference yesterday, although it has to be said that, even as he did so, the player sounded somewhat less than wildly enthusiastic about the idea of resuming his Irish career.

“I think the fact that I have not been back there for three years is a good indication of my situation,” said Ireland. “I have made my thoughts clear on the situation and I have not spoken to anyone within the FAI. Club football and doing well for Aston Villa in the Premier League and trying to win cups will come first for me.