Manchester City have confirmed this evening that the man who has become the club’s midfield talisman this season, Stephen Ireland, has signed a new deal with the club that will keep him at Eastlands until at least 2014.

“It was something that I’ve been worrying about for a few months but now it’s done I can enjoy the summer,” Ireland told the club’s official website.

“I never had any doubts about staying. Regardless, I was going to be here, and hopefully for the remainder of my career. I don’t see why not. I really want to become a hero here, to hopefully achieve things.

“I’m settled here – I love the club, I love the fans, and I don’t see what’s going to make me leave this club.

“These are very exciting times. It’s going to be interesting just to see what the line-up will be at the start of next season and how far we can push on. Hopefully we can compete for the title and get back into Europe.”

Ireland worked hard on his fitness last summer, undertaking martial arts training in the Derbyshire Peak District, and the hard work paid off, with his burgeoning form earning him City’s Player of the Year award. The Cork-born creative midfielder was pleased that that effort had paid off so dramatically.

“I’ve always trusted my ability, but it’s only this season I’ve come out of my shell,” he added.

“I worked hard last summer to try and reach the targets I set myself. I reached some, the others are something to aim at next season.

“But I never take my place for granted. I don’t think I ever would, I don’t like to take my foot off the gas.”

Club manager Mark Hughes also expressed his delight at sealing the deal, confirming that Ireland was a big part of the club’s plans for the future.

“Stephen’s new contract is great news for everyone concerned. He was outstanding all last season and is now one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,” said the Welshman.

“He thoroughly deserves all the praise that has gone his way after the hard work that he undertook last summer, and I know that he is already aiming to do even better for us next season and beyond.”