Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is urging Stephen Ireland to think carefully before he quits the Republic of Ireland setup.

Ireland withdrew from the squad that drew 0-0 with Germany last Saturday and were held 1-1 with Cyprus on Wednesday to shelter from the controversy he created by telling lies about the death of his two grandmothers last month.

He made up the stories midway through an international doubleheader so he could return from Slovakia to England to see his girlfriend.

City boss Eriksson said: "I have helped Stephen and Steve Staunton as much as I can. If I was the player I would take a rest now as Ireland can't qualify. Then I would think about playing in the World Cup qualifying."