Ireland - We Can Make Top Four

City have made a solid start to their season, with the 6-0 victory over Portsmouth last weekend giving a glimpse of what many hope they'll be capable of this campaign.  

Coupled with that has been the takeover of the Eastlands club by the Abu Dhabi United Group, billionaire owners who have already sanctioned the £32.4 million purchase of Robinho from Real Madrid.  

With such momentum behind them, Ireland believes Mark Hughes’ men can break the stranglehold Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have held over the top-four for so long, and with it finish ahead of Martin O’Neill’s Villa side. 

"Personally, I think it is between us and Aston Villa pushing for a top-four spot, and I think we can nose ahead of Aston Villa," Ireland told the Mail on Sunday.

"I know you have Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool but I still think we will finish fourth. I am confident."

Ireland went on to explain that his international career with the Republic of Ireland will remain on hold until he deems it suitable to return following a 12 month absence from the set up.  

"It's not that I hated playing for Ireland or being with the team, but I feel better away from it instead of going back to it," he added.

"My priority is my club and my family. I have a young family. "I would never say never about playing again for Ireland but at the moment it's best for me to stay away from it."

Will Wood