Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is already hard at work preparing for next season.

Ireland, who has just signed a new contract with City, is already hard at work on his fitness with a special training programme overseen by a martial arts expert.

"I really want to become a hero at City, I'm desperate for success," he said.

"These are exciting times and I want to be ready. It's very exciting to imagine what the line-up will be at the start of next season and how far we can push on, with the quality of some of the players we're linked with.

"We are hoping we can compete for the title and get back into Europe."