"I never wanted to leave," said Ireland. "I just want to go from strength to strength with Manchester City - I can't see myself playing anywhere else.

"I have to admit in the past I haven't always liked playing on the right wing but I wasn't in the team last week and I was determined to make sure I took my chance when it came.

"I spent the whole summer working on my fitness, my strength and my game and took that into pre-season so I felt ready to play."

Ireland impressed in the win over West Ham, but he feels there is plenty of improvement ahead.

"It was up to me to make sure I took my chance," he added. "Now I hope to make that role my own with a few more performances like that.

"There is no doubt that this is a big season for me because I feel I am over that 'promising' level and now an established player. Even so I didn't feel as though I was at my total best against West Ham.

"I know I can improve and do more and that I will improve with games under my belt. The more I play the more relaxed I am."