Stephen Ireland ready for international return

Stephen Ireland is set to end his self-imposed international exile in the near future but will not make himself available for the Republic at Euro 2012.

The 25-year-old midfielder walked out on the national side in September 2007 after a controversial incident where he lied about the death of his grandmother to cover up his girlfriend's miscarriage.

Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni had previously tried on several occasions to persuade the Cork man to come out of retirement and after several false starts it now appears the player has opened the door to a return.

However, Ireland does not want to gatecrash the squad for the European Championships this summer and revealed his only participation in Poland and Ukraine will be as a supporter. "I've matured and I can now focus on considering a return if the question was to come my way," he said.

"Previously I was a young dad with a young family with little stability and no support network around me. I am now in a great place, my life is set and I'm more settled. I'm just concentrating on reproducing my best form for my club and see what happens from there. I do love my country and I hope to get back playing for Ireland again.

The lads that got us to Poland deserve to travel to the finals, they will do Ireland proud."

Meanwhile goalkeeper Shay Given has dismissed rumours that the injury to Villa team-mate Richard Dunne is worse than had been initially reported.

"From speaking to the doctor at the club I think he's alright," said Given.

"They're saying eight weeks but hopefully he'll be fit towards the end of April and ideally get a few Premier League games under his belt. He'll still be playing (at Euro 2012)."