Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni remains hopeful of Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland ending his international exile.

Trapattoni said: "We have to know if he wishes to come back or not. I saw two or three City games and I like him, and I will try all possible ways to get him to come back.

"I want to know what he is thinking and Mark Hughes is not sure. He said it is up to him, but we do not know."