Source: Team_Talk
Mancini sets Ireland challenge
Roberto Mancini has tasked Stephen Ireland to prove he should be in Manchester City's 25-man squad after dismissing reports of a falling out.[LNB] New Premier League rules being introduced for the coming campaign require Mancini to name a 25-man squad and there have been claims Ireland will be overlooked.[LNB]Mancini has boosted his midfield options significantly since taking charge at City and Ireland has attracted interest from Sunderland.[LNB]There have also been rumours of a row during the club's pre-season trip to the USA, but Mancini is keeping an open mind regarding Ireland's future.[LNB]"Right now I don't know who will miss out," said Mancini. "I have not decided anything about Stephen Ireland.[LNB]"There has been no problem with him on the tour. I don't know how it's possible for him to think anything other than that he has a chance of a future here because I haven't decided.[LNB]"It is up to him to prove himself to me."[LNB]Craig Bellamy is another player who may struggle to make the cut for the new season and Mancini concedes he has some tough decisions on his hands.[LNB]He added: "We have 30 players, maybe more, and we have to get it down to 25 before the end of August.[LNB]"So it is clear that some of the players we have here are going to be left off that list. I am not sure yet if one of those will be Craig Bellamy.[LNB]"At this moment it is impossible to know which players will be on that final list."
