Manchester City captain Richard Dunne has hailed the form this season of teammate Stephen Ireland.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "Stevie has been outstanding all season.

"I don't think anyone can touch him for what he has done since August.

"I think for his age he has been sensational and could possibly be the best midfielder in the country at the moment. I just wish he played for his country too."

Dunne added: "It is amazing to think he wasn't in the side at the start of the season and might have even left the club at one stage.

"But since he got into the team he has been man-of-the-match on countless occasions. That shows his determination and how much he wants to be part of the club moving forward.

"He is priceless. We could probably afford to buy any player in the world at the moment but you cannot put a price on him."