Stephen James Ireland better known as Stephen Ireland is an Irish footballer who was born on August 22, 1986 in Cobh, County Cork. He initially played for under-15, under-16 and under-17 Ireland national squads, before receiving a call from Steve Staunton, the manager of Republic of Ireland national football team to join the senior team. As of 2008, Stephen Ireland has scored 4 goals from his six appearances for the national team.
He made his debut for his national football team in a match against Sweden, in which he replaced John O’Shea, as a substitute. On October 7, 2006 Stephen Ireland netted his first international goal in a match against Cyprus. His second goal came on February 7, 2007 when his last minute injury time goal earned his team a 2-1 victory against San Marino. His first goal at Croke Park came on March 24, 2007 in a match against Wales and it was his third goal in just four international matches. Stephen Ireland also made another goal against Slovakia in Bratislava on September 8, 2007. On February 3, 2008 he was voted by Football Association of Ireland (FAI) as ‘FAI young player of the year’.
Nicknamed “Daddy Dick”, Stephen Ireland started his football career in 2002, as a junior member in the Cobh Ramblers, a team in which his father Michael had previously played for. He later joined the Manchester City youth club in 2003 and has appeared in several friendly matches in the 2005 preseason as a first-team player. On September 18, 2005 Stephen Ireland made his competitive debut for Manchester City as a substitute in a match against Bolton Wanderers. His first start came in a match against Doncaster Rovers Football Club (F.C) on September 21, 2005. On October 2, 2005 Stephen Ireland won the Man of the Match award in his first Premiership start against Everton and went on to start the next six matches for Manchester City that eventually earned him a contract to stay with the club till 2009.
His first premiership goal for Manchester City came on December 26, 2006 in a match against Sheffield United. His left footed volley from 20 yards was the only goal in the match and it helped in Manchester City’s 1-0 win. At the Football Association (FA) Cup, in the third round, Stephen Ireland scored his second goal for Manchester City in a 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday.
On February 18, 2006 in the fifth round of FA Cup, Stephen Ireland scored a stunning volley from outside the area, in the 3-1 away win over Preston North End. He ended that season with a total of 16 starts and 12 substitute appearances. As of May 2008, he has made 81 appearances and scored 5 goals for Manchester City.
Stephen Ireland has signed a new contract for Manchester City that will extend till 2012, thus making him one of the bright prospects for the Blues.
