Bruce: I’ll sign Ireland if the price is right

STEVE BRUCE admits he’d love to see Stephen Ireland in Sunderland stripes in the upcoming Premier League season — but fears the Manchester City midfielder may be too expensive an acquisition.

The former Ireland star is unsettled at Eastlands while Roberto Mancini continues to recruit new signings. A move to The Stadium of Light has been mooted this week.

But Bruce, speaking after his side edged a Munster XI 2-1 at Thomond Park on Tuesday evening, admits he is not optimistic of clinching a deal for the Cobh-born man.