Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn hopes the Republic of Ireland leaves the door open to Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.

"The door should really be left open, I really believe that," Quinn told the Irish Daily Mirror.

"He may not have enjoyed his experience in the international team up to now, but down the line he could be the key that unlocks the door and gets us back into tournaments.

"So, you can't just dismiss people like that. There is no point slamming doors. I feel it should always be left open to him and never say never."