Sven: Ireland will bounce back

MANCHESTER CITY manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed Stephen Ireland to learn from his latest indiscretion.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder was sent off for a poor challenge on the Tottenham defender Lee Young-Pyo with eight minutes remaining at White Hart Lane yesterday and will now serve a three-match ban, another unpleasant twist in an already turbulent season for the youngster.

The Swede said: “When I saw it from the bench I thought it was harsh. Looking at it in the dressing room I don’t think we should complain about it, just accept it.