Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes tips Ireland for award
Mark Hughes believes Stephen Ireland deserves to pick up the award for the PFA Young Player of the Year.[LNB] The Manchester City manager's comments came after watching his midfielder notch his 13th goal of the season as City won away from home for the first time since August.[LNB]The 2-1 win over FA Cup finalists Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday saw the Welshman's side climb to ninth in the table, three points off a European place.[LNB]Ireland has been arguably City's most consistent performer this term and Hughes is adamant that his charge is the player most deserving of the award.[LNB]"Stephen Ireland has had a fantastic season and from our point of view he is the best young player this season," said Hughes.[LNB]"He has 13 goals now, which is an outstanding return for a midfield player in the Premier League and we are very pleased with his performance.[LNB]Consistent"Stephen is still hitting the levels he was at the start of the season and we feel it (the award) should be a foregone conclusion but probably isn't.[LNB]"If he misses out he has already said 'I'll have to win it next year' and that is the attitude we are looking for."[LNB]The 22-year-old finds himself up against Ashley Young, Aaron Lennon, Rafael, Jonny Evans and Gabriel Agbonlahor for the award but Hughes states that it is Ireland's ability to break from midfield which sets him apart.[LNB]"Stephen has been doing that all year," he added.[LNB]"His understanding of the game and when to join in from deep positions - he joins in the play with pace and is difficult to track because he has such energy - means opposition teams can't track him each and every time.[LNB]"He has a major impact on how we play."[LNB]
