Source: Team_Talk
Ireland unaware of transfer speculation
Stephen Ireland insists he is not paying too much attention to transfer speculation as he fights for his future at Manchester City.[LNB] The midfielder established himself as a key player for the club a couple of seasons ago but had limited opportunities to impress under Roberto Mancini towards the end of last term.[LNB]The arrival of more new faces this summer will make it more difficult for Ireland to feature regularly, while reports have suggested that he could be on the move.[LNB]Sunderland, Fulham and Tottenham are among those thought to be monitoring his situation but the 23-year-old knows nothing about any concrete interest.[LNB]He admits he might have to consider his options if he is not playing much when the transfer window reopens halfway through the campaign, but for now he is focused solely on doing as well as he can for City.[LNB]"I am very ambitious but accept things are out of my hands. I have a contract so all I can do is keep performing, presenting myself well in training," Ireland explained.[LNB]"If I have to move on, then so be it, but I am happy to stay and keep working.[LNB]"Of course, if I haven't played much by Christmas then any player would want to know what is happening.[LNB]"I only know what I read in the papers. I haven't heard one bit of solid interest.[LNB]"I have heard Fulham, Spurs and Sunderland mentioned but I have not been told anything. [LNB]"I'd hope the club would contact me if there was some interest, but I am not looking at that.[LNB]"I have never come out once in the press and said I want to leave or kick up a fuss. [LNB]"The way it stands at the moment I am working my socks off in training and trying to prove to the gaffer I am good enough to be here and stay."[LNB]Mancini's recent challenge for Ireland to prove that he deserves to be in City's 25-man squad indicates that he could have to be patient this season.[LNB]However, Ireland is relishing the competition for places and believes he can play a crucial role over the coming 12 months.[LNB]"I want to push for a place in the starting eleven. It might take me a while to prove that to him but I will do everything in my power to work hard and prove to him I can play," he stated.[LNB]"I have been training hard in America on the pre-season tour and I need to build on that.[LNB]"I found that very difficult last season, being in and out of the side. But looking back at it the gaffer came in and had a few months to try to get us into fourth position and, unluckily, we just didn't quite get there.[LNB]"But now he has more time he can maybe re-evaluate me and, hopefully, rate me and give me a chance. If he does then I need to take it.[LNB]"I think he definitely rates me and he has put me in my position that sets me free in certain areas.[LNB]"We have a big squad of players with great depth so you have to try your best in every game and every day to impress and show your quality in training.[LNB]"Hopefully, I can play a part in what is happening here."
