At the start of this year, former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given made himself available for selection again after retiring post-Euro 2012.
Thus far, nothing has come of it but even as he approaches his 38th year and despite the new management team of Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane, the Lifford man's offer still stands.
Given was on Off The Ball last night to give his take on the new regime, but he also admitted that any Ireland comeback was dependent on increased game-time at Aston Villa where he is understudy to Brad Guzan.
"I'm not even playing club football. International football is a million miles away. I'd be desperate to get playing any kind of football at the minute," Given admitted.
"I'd love to get back playing club football. Then if Martin or Roy wanted me in the future, I would have a conversation with them and see where that took me. At the minute, I'm in no position to say I want to play."
Given would also be interested in helping to coach at club or national level somewhere down the line.
But the long-time Ireland No 1 feels Ireland's coaching of young players is some way behind rival nations and hopes the management team can get involved in the grassroots side of the game.
Given harbours faint hopes of an international return ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
"I do feel we need to evolve like most nations. A lot of nations are trying to play out from the back and play more cultured football, whereas - no disrespect - we kicked it long under Jack Charlton and even in more recent times people said we were a long ball team under Trapattoni. I think we need to adapt more and play more football. The young players in the squad play week-in, week-out with teams that play football. Hopefully Martin and Roy will see that."
Given also gave his take on the appointment of O'Neill and assistant Keane.
"Roy is a strong character and I'm sure he'll give his opinion on the team. But the main decisions will be the manager's. The buck really stops with Martin but I think they will help each other," said Given.
The ex-Newcastle goalkeeper believes Keane has qualities that could make him an asset and believes his perception in the media is not wholly accurate.
"Roy is a very strong character. He was captain of Ireland when I was involved and he demands respect. You'd be mad not to take his advice. He's an intelligent man.
"People probably read and write about all the bad stuff. You can have a laugh and a joke with him as well. People don't see that so much. If you type his name into YouTube, you'll see the different rants and raves he's had during his career. He's a winner and just wants to be successful be that giving out to people or falling on the wrong side of people. But you shouldn't take that personally."
Listen to the full interview in the Off The Ball Football Show podcast or download on iTunes
©INPHO/Patrick Bolger
