Shay Given could be set to make a dramatic return to international football.
Newspaper reports suggest the Lifford man is keen to talk to Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni about a return to the international fold.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper, 36, is ready to hold discussions with Trap less than five months after his retirement, it is reported.
A source close to the player claimed “It is something on Shay’s mind and he is open to the idea of an Ireland comeback. He has always wondered if it was right to go after the Euros and he would be interested in talking to Giovanni Trapattoni.
“If the manager wants him back, then it is something that could happen.”
Currently out of favour at club level, Given is willing to reconsider his decision to quit after the Euro 2012 finals.
And the reports say the 125-times capped Given could return for the February friendly against Poland at the Aviva.
That would push him back into the frame for the vital World Cup qualifier away to Sweden in March.
Given’s replacement Keiren Westwood has already been warned by Trapattoni about his lack of first-team football at Sunderland.
Shay is in the same boat at Villa but could go on loan when the transfer window opens next week.