Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson says he's happy with Stephen Ireland's approach to training as he comes to terms with his Republic of Ireland controversy.

"I was a bit surprised, but he has to resolve some problems," Eriksson told City's website. "I think he's doing that, I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but it's over and I'm quite sure he will play very well for us on Saturday.

"His reasons for not wanting to play for Ireland this time were very personal, he has things to sort out, the sort of things in a young man's life that you get sometimes. It's important that he plays well for us now, which I think he will. He seems very happy, and that's very important also."