Mancini sets Ireland challenge

Roberto Mancini has tasked Stephen Ireland to prove he should be in Manchester City's 25-man squad after dismissing reports of a falling out. New Premier League rules being introduced for the coming campaign require Mancini to name a 25-man squad and there have been claims Ireland will be overlooked.Mancini has boosted his midfield options significantly since taking charge at City and Ireland has attracted interest from Sunderland.There have also been rumours of a row during the club's pre-season trip to the USA, but Mancini is keeping an open mind regarding Ireland's future."Right now I don't know who will miss out," said Mancini. "I have not decided anything about Stephen Ireland."There has been no problem with him on the tour. I don't know how it's possible for him to think anything other than that he has a chance of a future here because I haven't decided."It is up to him to prove himself to me."Craig Bellamy is another player who may struggle to make the cut for the new season and Mancini concedes he has some tough decisions on his hands.He added: "We have 30 players, maybe more, and we have to get it down to 25 before the end of August."So it is clear that some of the players we have here are going to be left off that list. I am not sure yet if one of those will be Craig Bellamy."At this moment it is impossible to know which players will be on that final list."

Source: Team_Talk