Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni will struggle to convince Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland to end his international exile.

The Daily Mail says the Italian plans to visit Ireland at City's training HQ but it is understood Ireland, 21, still has major issues about playing for his country.

Sources close to the player have revealed that Ireland has never got over the row he had with former coach Brian Kerr when he was part of the Under-19 set-up and that he is "scared" of representing his country.