Stephen Ireland to Quit City

[Bender]

Stephen Ireland has admitted he is unsure of his long-term future at Manchester City.

The 23-year-old's career at City has been the subject of conjecture after failing to hold down a place in Roberto Mancini's plans.

Ireland has completed 90 minutes for City only twice since Mancini replaced Mark Hughes in December.

Skysports.com understands Liverpool are one of a number of clubs monitoring Ireland's situation at Eastlands and the talented midfielder admits there are doubts over his future.

"There is a question mark over next year for me," Ireland told the Manchester Evening News.

Difficult year

"I don't know what will happen. I am contracted to City and all I can do is carry on doing my job and performing well when I am called upon.

"If anything changes during the summer it will be down to the club, not me."

Ireland admits he has been frustrated with his lack of regular action this season

"It has been a difficult year because I care so much about my job," added Ireland.

"I care about my game and about the club but there is a lot of frustration bottled up because I have not played as much as I would have liked."
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[JohnDoe]

I'd love for us to sign him and Richards. Two youngsters with great potential to be top stars.

Won't happen though.

[squaddie]

4 mil i heard! Cant see that like..... Friggin steal if theres any truth to it though.

[Kenneth]

30 million for Gerrard, buy Ireland and put the rest towards loan interest payments. Everyone's a winner.

[Neil Young]

30 million for Gerrard, buy Ireland and put the rest towards loan interest payments. Everyone's a winner.

Ireland's in worse economic trouble than I thought.

[Mike]

There was a thread on him in the transfer speculation a while back, would love us to sign him.

[destinydude]

I'd take him in an instant. Quality player and can still improve a lot.

[Neil Young]

Hmm, I don't know. If he's that good why are City letting him go so easily?

[red g]

Hmm, I don't know. If he's that good why are City letting him go so easily?

maybe his choice of cars and general chavness upsets the Arabs?

[elrichio86]

I would have thought his taste in cars would fit quite well with the Arabs

[-V-]

Hmm, I don't know. If he's that good why are City letting him go so easily?

**** management of the playing squad, same reason they failed to make the top 4

[Pablo]

I can't stand him, he's an absolute bellend, even by footballers standards. Those car's just prove it, reminds me of Diouf's silver Mercedes monstrosity. Vile.

[Neil Young]

**** management of the playing squad, same reason they failed to make the top 4

Possibly.

It's a bit harsh on Mancini IMO. There are clearly some problems in the squad Hughes assembled.

[-V-]

I don't think so. How often did Mancini play 2 or even 3 defensive midfielders whilst leaving Ireland on the bench?

I don't think its any surprise that both Mancini and Rafa failed while others with more attacking approaches succeeded

[JohnDoe]

Possibly.

It's a bit harsh on Mancini IMO. There are clearly some problems in the squad Hughes assembled.

Mancini is a crap manager, still.