Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland appeared to all but rule out a return to international football with the Republic of Ireland in an interview with the BBC at the weekend.

The Cobh born Ireland said when asked about a possible return, “I don’t know if there is a future”.

Ireland was involved in the infamous “Granny-gate” affair during Steve Staunton’s tenure as manager of the Republic. In the build-up to a crunch qualifier with the Czech Republic, Ireland left the international camp – citing the death of his grandmother as the reason. In the following days this was questioned and the player then claimed it was his other grandmother that had passed away.

When the smoke cleared and it was obvious that both grandmothers were still alive, Stephen Ireland’s international career appeared over and he has shown no signs of interest in being involved since.

Commenting on his departure, Ireland said “It was a shame the way I left” but on his experiences with the Irish camp, “I didn’t enjoy my time there”.