Lee Carsley is finally ready to step out of international retirement and play again for the Republic of Ireland.

After winning 29 caps, the Everton midfielder called it a day early in 2004 when he announced his desire to concentrate on club football and his family.

Following Steve Staunton's appointment as manager at the start of this year, the 37-year-old spoke with Carsley regarding the prospect of returning to the international scene but opted to focus on club rather than country.

But with the 32-year-old firmly back in the first-team picture at Goodison Park this season under manager David Moyes, Carsley feels the time is right to end his self-imposed exile.