News:Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The Republic of Ireland international has become the latest academy graduate to pledge his future to the club after enjoying a successful second season in the senior squad.

Ireland has made 23 appearances for City so far this season and said: "It's all well worth it now to get it signed so I can concentrate on my football. I don't have to worry about my immediate future, I've got a long contract now and it'll set me up for a few years to progress myself and become a fixture in the side."

The 20-year-old added: "It's hard being a young player coming through from the academy, you've got to be on form every day in training, as well as the games.

"You have to take that chance, you see Bradley (Wright-Phillips), Willo (Flood) and Crofty (Lee Croft) getting sold last year, so I could have been in that boat. I'm glad that I've been kept on and I'm happy here and hope to stay for as long as possible.

"It's a good time for me to get my new contract, I've been here a few years and now I'm looking ahead to the next few."

Ireland is hoping the club can use the 3-1 victory over Fulham on Easter Monday as a springboard to ending the season on a high note.

"We've got six games left now, so we're hoping to keep up the good form, consistency and keep it going. Personally, I just want to keep progressing, playing better and better and finish off a full season. I want to score more goals and get more assists."