Trap fires Ireland warning

13 February 2009 08:54
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has warned rebel Stephen Ireland he will not walk into his World Cup squad if he is not involved in their qualifying campaign.[LNB] Manchester City star Ireland is still in international exile following his much-publicised walk-out under former boss Steve Staunton.[LNB]Ireland has not played for his country since the European Championship qualifying draw in Slovakia in September 2007.[LNB]There have been growing calls for Ireland to return to the fold following his impressive run of form for City, but Trapattoni insists the 22-year-old would not be allowed to play at next year's World Cup finals in South Africa if the current squad qualify without him.[LNB]"Maybe we will take Ireland into consideration but, if we qualify with this squad, he cannot say, 'I am available'," said Trapattoni.[LNB]"That's not for him, it's about the fans. He has to show Irishness and a willingness to play for Ireland."[LNB]ChanceTrapattoni also admitted the door is open for any player who is currently out of the squad.[LNB]"Of course, we wait for Steven Reid and Stephen Ireland and other players. Never say never," added Trapattoni. [LNB]"There is still a long way to go in the campaign but even while we wait we have a good situation to go away in the qualifiers."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports