Ireland's eyes give Trapattoni hope

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is confident Stephen Ireland will return to the international arena after meeting with the player last week.

The Manchester City midfielder has not played for his country since his controversial withdrawal from the squad since excusing himself from the away trip to the Czech Republic in September by falsely claiming that his grandmother had died.

Trapattoni met the midfielder, as well as defenders Steve Finnan and Andy O'Brien, in an effort to convince the trio to return ahead of the qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010.

Though none of them were named today in his training squad to travel to Portugal ahead of friendlies against Serbia and Colombia, the manager says he could tell by Ireland's eyes that he will return.

"The moment I left him, I told him, 'I will wait for you' and he said to me, 'okay'," said the 69-year-old today.

"I understood Stephen. I understand he is young. I have children, I have a son and I understand him.

"I am confident, I trust he will come back. I spoke with him and normally when I speak with a player, I look the player in the eyes. The eyes never lie," he insisted. "I have trust he will come back."

Ireland, however, has made no public indication that he will return and risks alienating team-mates, fans and the manager further if he deliberates much longer.