Stephen Ireland hopes Manchester City can hold onto Brazilian pair Elano and Robinho.

After victory at Everton, Ireland said: Ireland said: "Robinho is a brilliant talent. All I had to do was run in straight lines because you know he will put it through for me. It's been a great day for us and, for me, the whole season has been a really big step up. It's been unbelievable.

"He's worked really hard today and played unbelievably. But you could say the same for Elano as well. He was in and out of the team earlier in the season and not happy about it, but has played the last 15 or so matches and his all-round game has been superb throughout.

"They are two great players and it's just fantastic to play alongside them."