Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney may be on the verge on an Irish international U-turn according to his club manager Alan Pardew.
Delaney, 34, has nine caps for the Republic of Ireland but appeared to retire from international football last August.
The centre-back has been in fine form for Palace during the season but there had never been any real question of him being involved in Euro 2016 for Ireland after he put out a statement that seemed to close the door on his Ireland career last year.
“I know that at the age of 34 the future of Irish football does not lie with me. The rigours of Premier League football and the 24/7 dedication required takes its toll so I look on the international break as a chance to recover,” the defender said in a statement in August.
However Pardew has indicated that Delaney may be undergoing a change of heart and that he would be eager to put on the green jersey again, if called upon to do so.
"If he was asked the question, I know what the answer would be." - Scott Dann
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Pardew was questioned on whether Delaney would make a return and replied: “I think he would. I think he is big enough and bold enough to swallow his pride and do the right thing.”
Crystal Palace captain Scott Dann also believes that Delaney is eager to return to the Irish fold and told the same newspaper: “I’m sure deep down he would want to play at the Euros.
“He’s playing week in, week out, in the Premier League and he is playing well. He’s good enough to play for Ireland, he’s shown that. If he was asked the question, I know what the answer would be.”
Delaney’s apparent desire to return to the international scene could be a mixed blessing for manager Martin O’Neill.
The Crystal Palace defender has been a big part of Crystal Palace’s success this season and could offer Ireland another strong option in defence.
However the Ireland boss would have to balance Delaney’s talents against the risk that a player, who had no real part in Ireland qualifying for the Euros, could upset the team spirit were he to be drafted into the squad at the expense of someone who has been there throughout.
