Man City boss Roberto Mancini has effectively ruled out selling Stephen Ireland as he is "an important player".
The attacking midfielder has struggled for a run of games under the Italian which has led to speculation over his long-term future, but Mancini insists he is a fan of the 23-year-old.
He said: "I have a lot of respect for Stephen Ireland because he is a good player.
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In the week of the Chelsea game he had an injury.
But now he has recovered and is ready to play.
"I have a number of options in midfield and Stephen is an important player for us."