Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne believes he would have been in the wrong if he had meddled in Stephen Ireland's personal life.
Ireland opted to withdraw from the squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Germany and Cyprus at Croke Park, claiming he would not have done himself justice.
Republic boss Steve Staunton, Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and Ireland met last Wednesday to discuss the matter.
The 21-year-old midfielder, though, has opted to remain at home due to ongoing personal matters.
But while City captain Dunne was willing to listen to Ireland's problems, he was not prepared to tell him what to do.
'I chat with Stephen about everything,' remarked Dunne.
'If he tells me he does not feel right to play for Ireland, it's not up to me to be prying into his personal life and convincing him he should be going.
'Yes, he's been very good, and he has scored some very important goals, while his all-round ability and play has been excellent.
'The form he is in for Manchester City, it's disappointing he has not come out, but it's difficult for him if he is having issues or problems.
'Within himself, he needs to make sure he is happy and completely committed and ready to play for Ireland before he can be away from home for 10 days.'
Ireland sparked controversy when he withdrew from the squad for the match against the Czech Republic last month after scoring in the 2-2 draw with Slovakia just days earlier.
Initially, he cited the death of one grandmother, then a second, only to later concede he had lied in both instances.
It subsequently emerged he wanted to be at his Manchester home to be with his girlfriend, who had suffered a miscarriage.
With these next two matches falling so swiftly after the previous games, Ireland apparently feels 10 days away from home is not in the best interests of himself or his family at this present time.
However, it is understood that privately he is concerned about the negativity there may be in light of this latest withdrawal.
Dunne has swiftly moved to reassure Ireland no-one thinks any ill of him, adding: 'As far as the squad is concerned, we seem to have a clear idea of what Stephen is going through.
'His girlfriend had a miscarriage, and everyone knows how serious that is. We all have sympathy with him. We're not going to take the mickey or anything like that, and I'm sure the public appreciate that as well.
'If Stephen is not right, then people have to respect that and give him time.
'We just want to make sure that when he does come back, he is made welcome. Everyone is looking forward to playing with him again.'
Staunton will again have to do without one of his key midfielders, and could face further complications if Andy Reid is also ruled out with an ankle injury.
Sunderland's Liam Miller has been drafted in for the two matches, starting with the visit of unbeaten Germany.
Yet, although the Republic's chances of qualifying are extremely thin, Staunton maintains there will be no issue motivating his players.
He insisted: 'That's never been a problem - they're very motivated and very determined. We all know we have to do our best and make sure we finish as positively as we can in the group. As we all know, the seedings for the World Cup draw are hugely important.'
