FAI refutes 'deadline' claims

The FAI has issued a statement refuting claims made by some Sunday newspapers that a deadline has been set for Stephen Ireland, Steve Finnan and Andy O’Brien to return to the Republic of Ireland international set up.

The statement reads: “In response to claims made in some of today’s newspapers about a deadline being set for the return of Stephen Ireland, Steve Finnan and Andy O’Brien, the Republic of Ireland senior international management team wishes to clarify that no such deadline has ever been set, nor will it be.