Manchester City boss Mark Hughes' future is constantly questioned due to the poor performance of the club this season but he certainly has the backing of the players.

City midfielder Stephen Ireland believes the Welshman can take the club to great heights.

"The gaffer is working hard and he's a great man," he told the club's official website.

"He'll do great things for the club. If any manager came in they wouldn't do half the job he is doing.

"He's involved in every area of the training ground and he's developing the club. If someone else would want to come in I don't think they would want to expand the club or care as much as him.

"He cares a lot about the game, his job and his players, so it's important that he stays here. I think he'll get it right and I really do have a lot of trust in him."