Ireland, 21, pulled out of the Republic’s last qualifier against the Czech Republic in September citing the death of a grandmother but later admitted he had made it up as he wanted to be with his partner who had suffered a miscarriage.

Defeat to the Czechs effectively ended the Republic’s qualification hopes but the City midfielder gained an instant recall to the squad with the Republic boss drawing a line under the matter.

But the troubled midfielder insists he is not in a fit state to play for his country, adding to Staunton’s problems following the withdrawal of full-back Stephen Carr with a hamstring problem.

Staunton told Sky Sports News: “We know he has got problems. We have tried everything in our power to try and get around him but at this moment in time he is obviously not mentally ready or prepared to play for his country.

“We want the boy. We know he’s being well looked after, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Manchester City are doing everything for him.

“It’s down to the lad now, we have to respect his situation and we do know he’s troubled but it’s only Stephen that can deal with it.

“I have been in close contact for the last week, I have been up to Manchester City’s training ground. It’s unfortunate but you have to respect his wishes.

“The most important thing is that Stephen gets himself right and I think the sooner the better.

“We have been in discussions for the whole week, it’s just one of those things. We have named him in the squad and he doesn’t feel as if he was up for it. We have to respect that.

“We tried to get to the bottom of it but it’s going to take time because he has got issues. I think at this moment in time he feels safe in a Manchester environment and obviously his treatment is just around the corner.”

Ireland thanked Staunton and his club for their support but doubted he could make a “positive contribution.”

He told www.mcfc.co.uk: “I have thought long and hard about whether I would do my country and myself justice if I joined up with the squad. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I would on this occasion.

“The support I have received from Mr Staunton and the FAI has been excellent and everybody at Manchester City has also been superb. However, I do not believe I can make a positive contribution to our efforts to qualify.”

Bolton defender Andy O’Brien has been called up as defensive cover but there are further concerns over the fitness of Andy Reid (ankle) and John O’Shea (dead leg).