Ireland named City’s player of the year

STEPHEN IRELAND has been voted Manchester City’s player of the year.

The midfielder has been one of the stand-out figures for the Blues in a campaign scarred by inconsistency. And, after being overlooked in favour of Ashley Young for the PFA young player prize, the 22-year-old has now gained some consolation, ending fellow Irishman Richard Dunne’s four-year hold on the trophy. Ireland was the overwhelming choice of City fans, beating Vincent Kompany into second place, with Pablo Zabaleta in third.