Everton defender Seamus Coleman has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for June's friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg.
It's for him to answer if he's going to continue playing or not.
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson left the ball firmly in the court of the player when asked about Seamus Coleman's future.
"He is a leader in this squad and you cannot have his experience in many players," Hallgrimsson continued.
"His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well.
"He's been playing at the highest level for such a long time, so it's a shame for me - and, of course the national team - not to have him around. But hopefully there will come another time for him, hopefully it will be just the off-season and he'll come fit and flying."
Signed for €70k from Sligo Rovers in 2009, Coleman's current deal concludes at the end of June but Everton boss David Moyes is keen to keep the club captain around.
"I know he's going to be at Everton in whatever role, maybe a little bit more leadership role, but it's for him to answer if he's going to continue playing or not," said Hallgrimsson.
"It's his decision, but I'm hoping - and I know the Evertonians are hoping - he will continue playing."
Coleman has represented his county on 72 occasions but with rumours swirling that me may call it a day at international level, Hallgrimsson left it to the 36-year-old, saying: "That's for him to decide, not me."
Hallgrimsson's side have two games on the horizon and will also be without Ipswich Town forward Sammie Szmodics.
Szmodics returned to action last weekend off the back of a three-month absence due to ankle surgery but with the injury flaring up again, Szmodics has decided not to take the risk.
He has been replaced by midfielder Andrew Moran.