Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will give Carlos Tevez every chance to make this weekend's derby against his former club Manchester United.
"There will be an extra edge to this game, there is no doubt about that," said Ireland.
"Carlos Tevez coming here and some of the things that have been said this summer may even sharpen that edge.
"There is bound to be plenty of banter before the match and in the stands at Old Trafford though I would like to think that there will be a definite line that will not be crossed.
"Derby games are great; the nerves beforehand, the build-up, the fans."
Click here for more Manchester City news and gossip