Manchester City captain Richard Dunne has hailed the impact made this season by Stephen Ireland.

Dunne, 29, said: "Stephen has been the best player this season despite all the money available and the international superstars in the squad. He has been the one that has shone.

"He has worked that hard and been that determined that no matter who we sign he will be the first choice when the team is picked."

Midfielder Ireland, 22, has not played for his country since ducking international duty last year, lying that his grandmother had died.

Then City boss Sven Goran Eriksson stood by him, but when the Swede was sacked in the summer Ireland looked sure to move to Sunderland.

Instead Dunne took Ireland under his wing and City have reaped the benefit.

Dunne said: "The main thing for Stephen is that he has grown up.

"He was training non-stop throughout the summer because he wants to become the best he possibly can.

"It shows just how strong he is mentally as there were clubs bidding for him and it didn't look like he was staying."