Stephen Ireland's father has revealed his son intends to end his self-imposed international exile and make himself available to Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni in 2009.
The Manchester City midfielder, who has been hugely impressive so far this season, is believed to be ready to return to the fold after deciding to opt out of the international scene after the 2-2 draw away to Slovakia in September 2007.
Ireland's father Michael, himself a former Irish U-21 player with 16 caps, believes his talented son is ready to play for Ireland again as the country bids to land a spot at the 2010 World Cup.
Speaking in today's Irish Daily Star Sunday, the 39-year-old revealed: 'The country needs him, he's a good player and he'll go back in his own time. He's just focusing on his family right now and Man City. He's keeping his head down, but he'll be back hopefully next year.'
He added: 'I would never put pressure on him but I'd love to see him at the next World Cup.'
Asked if he is considering a return himself, the Cobh-born 22-year-old added: 'Yeah, yeah, but I'm trying to keep the head down at the moment.'
Ireland brought unwanted attention on himself when he asked to return home early after the trip to Slovakia and the Czech Republic after revealing to the media his granny had died.
However, it later transpired that he lied about his granny's death because his partner had miscarried, and the subsequent media backlash resulted in him making himself unavailable for international selection.
His performances this season have earned him rave reviews and made him a candidate for the Young Player of the Year award and it is believed his creativity and quality in the final third could be the crucial ingredient as Trapattoni looks to guide his adopted country to the finals in South Africa.
Michael Ireland has also denied claims that his son was bullied by his international team-mates. He insisted: 'Stephen never wore a wig and no-one ever tried to pull at his hair.'
Ireland has since been joined at City by his 15-year-old brother Michael, who is now an apprentice at the Eastlands club.
Michael Snr added: 'It's great that they are both playing football, they absolutely love it. Deep down, I am so proud of him. He's a great player – hopefully after he has a bit of time to himself to sort out his feelings, he'll be back.'
Ireland's next game on the road to South Africa is at home to Georgia on 11 February.
