The FAI has denied claims that a deadline has been set for Stephen Ireland, Steve Finnan and Andy O'Brien to commit to the national set-up.

Reports in this morning's newspapers suggested that new manager Giovanni Trapattoni had imposed a timeframe for the trio to return.

But an FAI statement released this afternoon has rubbished the reports, insisting that "no such deadline has ever been set, nor will it be".

"As has always been made clear, the door remains open for any of these players to declare themselves available if they so wish," it added.

On Friday, Trappatoni spoke of his belief that Finnan would end his international retirement.

"He (Finnan) will come back - but not immediately as he is not fit," said the Italian.
"Finnan said to me . . .  'when I am ready and without injury, sure I will come back'. At the moment my news is that he is not fit from injury".