A major and a minor character in the annals of Irish football met on a plane yesterday. Two which somehow you felt were quite unlikely to cross each other's paths.
Roy Keane met one of the grandmothers which Stephen Ireland claimed had died back in 2007 when he attempted to get out of international duty.
The Cork woman asked the Ireland assistant manager if her grandson was in with a chance of getting back in the international frame.
Well, I spoke with the grandmother this morning, she was on the flight coming over – and she asked me would he get back involved.
I couldn't lie to her. I said he'd have a chance if he's playing well. I think Martin had a conversation with him, and all that needs to fall into place.
Keane also elaborated on the midfielder's chances of getting into the Ireland squad.
We all know how talented Stephen is and Martin will look at that. We wouldn't be shutting the door on any player.
What is important for any player, and Stephen is the same, is it does help to be playing week-in week-out.
He's obviously had a difficult spell. He's only just got a run of games at Stoke now. So I certainly wouldn't be ruling anyone out.
And in previous surreal Irish football-related meetings on a plane.
