Source: Team_Talk
Roque hopes Ireland sticks with City
Roque Santa Cruz has urged Stephen Ireland not to turn his back on Manchester City amid mounting speculation over the midfielder's future.[LNB] Ireland has struggled to find his way into the plans of City manager Roberto Mancini following the Italian's arrival at Eastlands midway through last season.[LNB]The 23-year-old is just 12 months into a lucrative five-year deal at City but is reportedly eyeing an exit after failing to reproduce the sparkling form he showed during the 2008/09 campaign.[LNB]Ireland could be used as a makeweight in City's bid to land Aston Villa and England star James Milner.[LNB]But Santa Cruz believes Ireland still has much to offer City, despite the expected influx of new players this summer.[LNB]"He is a very nice guy and a fantastic player also, so I think everybody at the club would be very disappointed to see him leaving. He is a great talent," said Santa Cruz.[LNB]"This season has been hard for him, not finding a starting place in the team, but it is always going to be hard when you are at a team that is always getting new players who start all the time.[LNB]"It is very hard for everyone."
