Manchester City's Academy Recruitment Officer, Barry Poynton, admits Sunderland boss Roy Keane is a big fan of midfielder Stephen Ireland.

He told City's website: "I saw Stephen playing for Cork Schoolboys as a 12-year-old and he was one of the most elegant players I've ever seen. Stephen came from Cobh Ramblers, the same club as Roy Keane, who I know thinks a great deal of him."