Dunne Hails 'Priceless' Ireland

Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has labelled team-mate and countryman Stephen Ireland "priceless".Ireland failed to make the top three for the PFA's Young Player of the Year award, finishing behind Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Jonny Evans.And that surprised Dunne, given his 13 goals this season.He told the Manchester Evening News: "Stevie has been outstanding all season."I don't think anyone can touch him for what he has done since August."I think for his age he has been sensational and could possibly be the best midfielder in the country at the moment. I just wish he played for his country too."Ireland has not played for his country since faking the death of both his grandmothers to get out of international duty after his girlfriend suffered a miscarriage.Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapatonni has admitted he would welcome the City midfielder back, but Ireland himself has said he is not ready to return.Ireland nearly left the club in the summer, with Sunderland thought to have been close to sealing an £8million move, but that fell through and he has now established himself as the best player in City midfield."It is amazing to think he wasn't in the side at the start of the season and might have even left the club at one stage," says Dunne."But since he got into the team he has been man-of-the-match on countless occasions. That shows his determination and how much he wants to be part of the club moving forward."He is priceless. We could probably afford to buy any player in the world at the moment but you cannot put a price on him."

Source: Eurosport