Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Fitness the key for Ireland

05 May 2009 - 12:53:19

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Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland says an increase in his fitness levels has helped him to enjoy a superb season for the Citizens.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been a virtual ever-present for City this term, scoring 13 goals to come within a whisker of winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

He told the club's official website: "We want to end on a high and right now I feel the best I have ever felt.

"I feel fitter now than before, I am coming off at the end of games feeling that I could have run so much more. I hope that I feel the same going into the derby.

"I get so upset if I'm taken off, it's the worst thing ever. I make sure I don't get taken off, so I do whatever I can.

"Even if a game is heavy going, like against Blackburn with lots of long balls being thrown around and not much passing, you still have to run your heart out.

"The least you can do is work hard."