Stephen Ireland questions Manchester City future after 'difficult year' at Eastlands

Down and out: Stephen Ireland has endured a torrid time at Man City under Roberto ManciniStephen Ireland has admitted there is a major question mark over his Manchester City future.After earning a PFA young player of the year nomination with some stellar performances last term, Ireland has struggled badly this year.Injury, illness and loss of form have combined to see him go backwards in his quest for a regular Blues starting slot and having missed Wednesday night's devastating defeat to Tottenham, has still only appeared 11 times under Roberto Mancini.The 23-year-old has never given any indication of a desire to leaveEastlands. But with a major review of playing staff certain to followthe failure to secure a Champions League berth next season, Irelandknows he could be in the firing line.'There is a question mark over next year for me,' he said. 'I don'tknow what will happen. I am contracted to City and all I can do iscarry 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.'Ireland only signed a new long-term contract last summer, so itseems strange to be talking about his future already. But undoubtedly,this term has not gone as he would have hoped, leaving him deeplyirritated.'It has been a difficult year because I care so much about my job,'he said. 'I care about my game and about the club but there is a lot offrustration bottled up because I have not played as much as I wouldhave liked.'   Harry Redknapp to auction soaked Spurs suit after Tottenham make Champions League splashMourinho rejects England return but refuses to commit future to Inter MilanVIDEO: Spurs players give Harry ice bath and write off his best suitMartin Samuel: Sorry City, it's a great result and Eastlands fans will approveRedknapp: My big gamble paid off - Spurs boss rewarded with mega winMANCHESTER CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail