Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland says last season's 8-1 thrashing by Middlesbrough was a career turning point.

"In previous years I just wanted to get away from football and go on holiday, but after losing that game to Middlesbrough, I said, 'No, I'm staying here for the summer and getting myself in shape,' " he told The Times. "A lot had happened that season, but I don't know what it was that changed, I just realised I needed to get my head down. It's a short career and there is no time to waste.

"I'm a lot more determined as a person now. I want to do something with my life. I felt like I didn't know where I was going and I just seemed to say, 'I need to get myself together'. I'm happy again."