The Curious Case of Stephen Ireland

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

At every level, it’s a refreshing reminder of all that is wonderful about sport that one of the greatest honours one can experience is to represent their country.

Football is no different. From kids enjoying a kick-about in the street to professionals waiting for the chance to walk onto the pitch, clad in their nation’s colours for the first time; it is irrefutably one of the greatest feats anyone with hope of progressing in the game can have.

However, the modern game is not always a pretty one. Relentless financial fixation, mercenary players switching club allegiances at the drop of hat, along with what sometimes seems like an endless list of disheartening issues constantly dominate the back pages today.

However, the dream of playing for one’s international team, one that you’d assume every player possesses is a quaint reminder of the simple joys in football.

Considering this, it’s difficult to fathom why a young player, not to mention an extremely talented one, would repeatedly turn down the calls of their country’s manager.

Step forward the ironically named, Stephen Ireland.

Despite his eccentric/borderline insane behaviour we have seen in the past, Ireland continues to thrive in the Premier League. Ignoring the grotesque SUV complete with luminous pink wheels, and the Superman boxers Sunderland fans must cheerily remember, we are talking about a player who has survived Manchester City’s financial assault of the transfer market, and come out looking better than ever.

So why isn’t Ireland, easily one of the most technically accomplished men eligible for Giovanni Trapattoni's squad playing in vital World Cup qualifiers?

Trapattoni is doing a wonderful job with what is honestly, an average Irish squad. Second only to the reigning world champions Italy and with qualification well and truly in their own hands, things are certainly looking better than they did under Steve Staunton’s best forgotten reign 18 months ago.

However, despite the positive results, there are underlying worries. Take this weekend’s game away to Cyprus for example. When your midfield partnership of Glen Whelan and Keith Andrews fails to impose themselves against the Cypriots, it raises concerns.

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