Manchester City Football Club

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

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:47805

Mancini issues Ireland warning

11 May 2010 - 11:39:53

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Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has been warned by manager Roberto Mancini that he will have to 'change his head' to remain at the club next season.

The 23-year-old became something of a peripheral figure at Eastlands in the season just ended, having been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award last season.

Mancini commented: "I spoke to Stephen two weeks ago, but we must speak again soon.

"I don't know what he is thinking about his future, but, for me, Stephen is a fantastic player and if he can change his head I think he can start to play like last season again."

Ireland had earlier questioned whether he would stay on with the Citizens, telling the Manchester Evening News: "There is a question mark over next year for me.

"I don't know what will happen. I am contracted to City and all I can do is carry on doing my job and performing well when I am called upon.

"If anything changes during the summer it will be down to the club, not me.

"It has been a difficult year because I care so much about my job.

"I care about my game and about the club, but there is a lot of frustration bottled up because I have not played as much as I would have liked."