Manchester City Football Club

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

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:47805

Ireland determined to stay

26 Aug 2008 - 15:12:48

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Unsettled midfielder Stephen Ireland is determined to remain at Manchester City and prove he deserves a first-team place.

Ireland, 22, had appeared to be on his way out of Eastlands earlier in the month following reports the club had accepted a bid for his services from Sunderland.

However, City boss Mark Hughes is believed to have blocked the move and the Republic of Ireland international has featured in both Premier League games so far this season in a new right wing position.

He took the plaudits for his performance in Sunday's 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

"I never wanted to leave," Ireland told the Manchester Evening News.

"I just want to go from strength to strength with Manchester City. I can't see myself playing anywhere else.

"I have to admit in the past I haven't always liked playing on the right wing, but I wasn't in the team last week and I was determined to make sure I took my chance when it came.

"It was up to me to make sure I took my chance.

"Now I hope to make that role my own with a few more performances like that."