Lee Carsley is finally ready to step out of international retirement and play again for the Republic of Ireland.
After winning 29 caps, the Everton midfielder called it a day early in 2004 when he announced his desire to concentrate on club football and his family.
Following Steve Staunton's appointment as manager at the start of this year, the 37-year-old spoke with Carsley regarding the prospect of returning to the international scene but opted to focus on club rather than country.
That was following an Everton reserve game against Aston Villa in April but, with Carsley just hitting the comeback trail after a long injury lay-off, he again opted to focus on club rather than country.
But with the 32-year-old firmly back in the first-team picture at Goodison Park this season under manager David Moyes, Carsley feels the time is right to end his self-imposed exile.
Carsley was forced to make contact with Staunton after being overlooked on Monday when the 25-man squad was announced for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and the Czech Republic.
Staunton revealed: 'Lee phoned me last night and said he wishes to be considered for selection as he has now re-established himself in the Everton first team, and that is welcome.'
Carsley's phone call may have come just at the right time as Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh is now out of both games and is due to undergo knee surgery tomorrow.
Carsley has not yet been called into the squad as cover, with a decision expected to be made after the weekend games should there be further withdrawals.
With regard to Kavanagh, Staunton added: 'Graham requires a cartilage operation, so he will be out for four to six weeks and is touch and go for the home game against San Marino on November 15.
'He is one of our experienced players, so he will be a loss, but that is why we named such a big squad in the first place and we also have the option of calling up other players.'
