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Blue Ireland Signs Four Year Eastland Deal

Last updated : 13 April 2007 By Paul Jennings

Stephen Ireland
Manchester City and Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Ireland has agreed to sign a new improved four year contract with Manchester City. The Cork native who joined the club as a 15 year old schoolboy was clearly delighted with the deal. He told the clubs website "It's all well worth it now to get signed so I can concentrate on my football" He added "It's hard being a young lad coming through from the academy, you've got to be on form everyday in training as well as the games."

"You have to take that chance, you see Bradley Wright-Phillips, Willo Flood and Lee Croft getting sold last season so I could have been in that boat. I'm glad that I've been kept on and I'm happy here and hope to stay for as long as I can.

"It's a good stage for me to get my new contract, I've been here a few years and now I'm looking ahead to the next few."

Ireland is hoping the club can use the 3-1 victory over Fulhamon Easter Monday as a springboard to ending the season on a high note. "We've got six games left now, so we're hoping to keep up the good form, consistency and keep it going. "Personally, I just want to keep progressing, playing better and better and finish off a full season. I want to score more goals and get more assists."

Ireland has been in great form for his club and country scoring 2 vital goals against San Marino and Wales in the European Qualifiers, and looks to have cemented a regular place in the National team.