Stephen Ireland hoping for international return after training with Bruno Fernandes

United's €55m January signing moved into a house three doors down from Ireland's Manchester home and the Cobh-native says Fernandes not only recognised him but looked up to Ireland as a child.

Stephen Ireland celebrates after scoring the first-ever goal in an international football match at Croke Park against Wales in 2007. Ireland says "the dream" is a return to play for the Republic of Ireland. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Training with Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has convinced Stephen Ireland to pursue a return to football, and redemption for his Republic of Ireland career.