City to offer Ireland new deal

Manchester City look set to offer Stephen Ireland a new contract.



The news comes in the wake of the midfielder revealing it was his wish to stay at the club for the remainder of his career.

The 22-year-old has had his best season to date since making his City debut in September 2005 after progressing through the club's youth system.

With 13 goals already this campaign and a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award Ireland has seen his stock rise at Eastlands.

outstanding season

So much so that City manager Mark Hughes is prepared to significantly up the midfielder's wages and sit down and thrash out a new deal for Ireland whose emerging reputation saw him tightly man-marked by Darren Fletcher in Sunday's Manchester derby.

Hughes told the official club website: "He's had an outstanding season and I have congratulated him at every opportunity I get because it is fully deserved.

"At the weekend, I think it was very much a mark of respect that Stephen received the attention that he did. The impact he can have has been recognised by opposition teams, they know that they have to try to lessen the impact that he has.

"If he is allowed to play then he can hurt teams, and every team is going to recognise that in the future.

"Sunday was a good test for Stephen, he will get more of that and it is still a learning process for him. Away from home teams will be aware of him and will try to stop him."

The 22-year-old had been linked with a move away from City last summer, but the manager is delighted that Ireland's superb form has established him in terms of acclaim from the fans and respect from opponents.

contract sorted

He added: "There was interest because he was already an outstanding player, but he had not had the sort of season like he has had this year. There was never any doubt that he would be a player that would help us this year, but in fairness I have to say that he has surpassed my expectations. That is of huge credit to him, but he was never going to be allowed to leave as he was one I felt would have an impact, and that is how it has proved".

Any contract offer should be accepted by Ireland after he said he could see himself staying at the club for another 10 years.

"I want to play here until I am 33 or 34-years-old," he said.

"Hopefully I will get a contract sorted out soon, (and) continue to play for the club I love as long as possible.