Former Reading defender Ian Harte has revealed that iconic manager Giovanni Trapatonni was not aware that he was Irish.

Leeds United legend Harte earned 64 caps for the Republic of Ireland from 1996 until 2007, but went on to enjoy a final swansong in Berkshire with the Royals.

Joining from League One Carlisle United in 2010, the free-kick specialist went on to become a mainstay in Brian McDermott's teams of 2010/11 and 2011/12- named in the Championship Team of the Season for both while in his mid-30s.

Holding out hope for a national team recall, current Royals striker Shane Long played a key role in trying to instigate a return.

Speaking on House of Football, Harte said: "I was playing at Reading at the time and Shane Long was coming across. I spoke to Longy- I was flying at the time, playing amazing football at Reading- and said have a word with Trapattoni. Trapattoni’s reply was ‘I never knew he was Irish.’ Longy came back and said I mentioned to the manager and he said he didn’t even realise Ian Harte was Irish."

84-year-old Trapattoni is one of the most decorated managers of all time, winning 10 league titles and five European trophies.

In charge in Dublin from 2008 until 2013, the Italian led the nation to Euro 2012 and very nearly to the 2010 World Cup, were it not for Thierry Henry's controversial handball for France in the play-off stage.

Leaving the club following relegation from the Premier League in 2013, Harte continued playing until 2015- at the age of 37 and almost 10 years after his final appearance for his country.