Stephen Ireland

1

Signed a new contract with City. He’s been very outspoken on the poor terms he was being offered so I assume they were drastically improved.

Ireland extends Man City contract

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new four-year contract at Eastlands.
The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international has made 23 appearances this season and established himself as a regular in the City midfield.

He told his club’s website: "It’s a good time for me to get my new deal.

“I don’t have to worry about my immediate future now, I’ve got a long contract so I can progress and become a fixture in the side.”

Ireland is a product of the City academy and is enjoying a successful second season in the senior squad.

He added: “It’s hard being a young player coming through from the academy, you’ve got to be on form every day in training, as well as the games.”

2

He’s never been afraid to express his opinion for a player so young. There was the refusal of Brian Kerr to pick him in underage sides after he lashed out when he wasn’t picked in a particular team, his comments about the contract and even his comments after the Wales game about being uncomfortable on the right.

I initially thought he was going to be an immense player, then cooled off him but the last 2 Irish performances have renewed my faith in him. Still has an awful lot to do to warrant the Liam Brady comparisons some of the papers were making.

3

Yeah he has loads of room for improvement but he’s confident to the point of arrogant which is a good thing in my opinion. Impressive performances for his country and I think it’s fair to say Staunton wouldn’t have a job without him.