By Football Talk.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been put on alert after Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland admitted his long-term future is uncertain at the club after struggling to cement a place in City’s boss Roberto Mancini’s starting eleven. Ireland has only completed 90 minutes twice since the Italian took charge in December, after being virtually an ever present in former manager Mark Hughes’ side.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the dynamic midfielder and the 22-year-old has admitted he hasn’t played as much football as he would have liked and doesn’t know if he will be at Eastlands next season, although he claims any decision will depend on the wishes of his employers.
“There is a question mark over next year for me,” Ireland told the Manchester Evening News.
“I don’t know what will happen. I am contracted to City and all I can do is carry 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.”
“It has been a difficult year because I care so much about my job,” added Ireland.
“I care about my game and about the club but there is a lot of frustration bottled up because I have not played as much as I would have liked.”
Since Mancini’s arrival, Ireland has seen himself fall behind De Jong, Barry and January recruit Vieira in the midfield pecking order at Manchester City. However, with Vieira only on a short term loan due to expire in the summer, perhaps Ireland may find he has more opportunities next season. On the other hand, after failing to qualify for the champions league next season, the Billionaire owners may want to mix things up in the summer. Whether that is a new manager or new players remains to be seen.
But both Arsenal and Liverpool will be keeping a keen eye on hows things progress for the midfielder at Eastlands. Ireland could well prove to be a perfect partner for Cesc Fabregas in Arsenal’s midfield and has the premiership experience manager Arsene Wenger is looking for. While Liverpool could also do with the goal scoring threat from midfield that Ireland carries, after a very disappointing season. Although any move is likely to be delayed until manager Rafa Benitez’s own future is sorted out.
Would Arsenal and Liverpool fans like to see Ireland at their club? Please leave your comments below….
