Stephen Ireland comeback rated at 50-50

Stephen Ireland appears to have softened his stance on a return to international duty.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni says the prospects of a comeback for the Manchester City star are 50-50.

The Italian was speaking at the announcement of a 24-man squad to face Australia at Thomond Park next month.

Ireland squad: Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, Joe Murphy, John O'Shea, Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh, Liam Lawrence, Caleb Folan, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Leon Best.