Source: Eurosport
Dunne Hails 'Priceless' Ireland
Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has labelled team-mate and countryman Stephen Ireland "priceless".[LNB]Ireland failed to make the top three for the PFA's Young Player of the Year award, finishing behind Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Jonny Evans.[LNB]And that surprised Dunne, given his 13 goals this season.[LNB]He told the Manchester Evening News: "Stevie has been outstanding all season.[LNB]"I don't think anyone can touch him for what he has done since August.[LNB]"I think for his age he has been sensational and could possibly be the best midfielder in the country at the moment. I just wish he played for his country too."[LNB]Ireland has not played for his country since faking the death of both his grandmothers to get out of international duty after his girlfriend suffered a miscarriage.[LNB]Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapatonni has admitted he would welcome the City midfielder back, but Ireland himself has said he is not ready to return.[LNB]Ireland nearly left the club in the summer, with Sunderland thought to have been close to sealing an £8million move, but that fell through and he has now established himself as the best player in City midfield.[LNB]"It is amazing to think he wasn't in the side at the start of the season and might have even left the club at one stage," says Dunne.[LNB]"But since he got into the team he has been man-of-the-match on countless occasions. That shows his determination and how much he wants to be part of the club moving forward.[LNB]"He is priceless. We could probably afford to buy any player in the world at the moment but you cannot put a price on him."[LNB]
