Euro 2012 won’t lure Stephen into Ireland return

STEPHEN IRELAND has revealed the prospect of the Ireland taking on Europe’s finest at Euro 2012 hasn’t tempted him to consider ending his self-imposed international exile.

Having struggled in recent seasons, Ireland has shown signs of rediscovering his best form and impressed again in Aston’s Villla’s 1-1 draw against Everton at Villa Park on Saturday, a game that saw Robbie Keane make his debut for the home side.

Keane’s arrival at Villa Park on a short-term loan has swelled the sizeable Irish influence at Villa Park but Ireland insists he never considered the prospect of taking on the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas and Modric in June.