Keith Treacy's international future is in jeopardy after telling Giovanni Trapattoni he needs a rest.
Winger faces being frozen out after putting club before country
Keith Treacy's international future is in jeopardy after the Preston winger told
Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni he needs a rest.
Treacy was left out of the Euro 2012 qualifying wins over Armenia and Andorra last month but was named in a 26-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Russia and Slovakia.
The 22-year-old Dubliner has been in good form this season with Darren Ferguson's Preston and has so far scored five goals in 12 games in all competitions for the Championship outfit.
But Treacy was left dismayed as the FAI stated on Friday that he had been omitted from the final 22-man squad and was on standby.
And the former Blackburn trainee has since made it clear to Trapattoni that he won't be reporting for duty because he wants to focus on getting back to full fitness for Preston.
"Someone said I'm in the squad, others said I'm on standby, but, whatever, I am not going," he told
the Herald.
Not too happy
"I don't think Trap was too happy when I phoned and told him that I am tired. He was surprised because we have only played nine games but I've been struggling and need the break.
"The gaffer (Ferguson) has kept faith in me and tells me to grin and bear it. It's a tough-love attitude but I'm benefiting from it.
"I need to make sure I am fit and playing well for Preston and then hopefully I will get the chance to play for my country again.
"The international break has come at the right time because we have a few others taking painkillers to get through games. I am going to put my feet up and relax, I might go back to Dublin to see the family."
Trapattoni handed Treacy his debut in a friendly against Argentina in August but in the past the Italian coach has frozen out the likes of Lee Carsley, Andy Reid, Steven Reid, James McCarthy and Marc Wilson after they turned down the chance to join the squad.
