Players Profile

Stephen Ireland was born on August 22nd 1986 in Cobh, Cork. Where he started his youth football career in hometown Cobh, playing for Cobh Ramblers. As a schoolboy Ireland had trials with a number of British clubs, but most were discouraged by his Osgood-Schlatter disease he suffered from in his mid-teens. At the age of 14 he joined our youth academy.

Ireland had a disagreement and skirmish with Rep. Ireland youth manager Brian Kerr over selections of the squad, and he vowed that he would never play international football under Brian Kerr again.

2005-2006
Ireland made his City 1st team debut coming on from the bench against Bolton on the 18th September 2005. He made his first start against Doncaster Rovers the following match. Then he took the man of the match on his first Premiership start against Everton on the 2 October 2005. His neat passing was very easy on the eye, and he continued to make good progress clocking up 16 starts and 17 appearences from the bench, And was rewarded with a new contract to keep him until 2009. Despite just breaking through into the 1st team, New Rep. Ireland boss, Steve Staunton Called him upto his International Squad in February 2006.

2006-2007 Ireland doesnt start many games, but he has become a regulary used sub.

His passing is his biggest asset, he rarely gives the ball away and has the potential to be a very good creative midfielder. he is a slight lad, but he is willing to get stuck in.