Hughes tips Ireland as future Manchester City captain
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mark Hughes has tipped Stephen Ireland as a future Manchester City skipper.
Hughes confirmed he had handed Kolo Toure's the captain's armband yesterday in the wake of Richard Dunne's move to Aston Villa.
Toure did the job at Crystal Palace and Portsmouth immediately before the international break and has emerged from a clutch of alternative candidates, including Gareth Barry, Shay Given, Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong.
Ireland also made the shortlist after impressing Hughes during parts of the pre-season campaign when Dunne was missing.
And, as a short-term replacement for Toure will be required in January when the Ivory Coast star heads off to Angola for the African Cup of Nations, Ireland may get another chance to hone his captaincy skills before, at some stage in the future, getting the job full time.
"Stevie really enjoyed having the armband back in pre-season and I am sure in future he will be a Manchester City captain," Hughes told www.mcfc.co.uk.
"It is pleasing that we have so many characters and personalities in the group, all of whom could have taken the role."
Meanwhile, Hughes has defended executive chairman Garry Cook in the wake of Dunne's exit.
The popular Republic of Ireland star accused Cook of trying to sell him behind his back and claimed he was ignorant of the "core loyalty" in football.
However, Hughes sees a different side to Cook's character and questions Dunne's assessment.
"It is a little bit unfair to highlight Garry and his perceived role in discussions," said the City chief.
"It wasn't as if Richard was forced out of the club.
"He was the only one who signed a piece of paper to change from being a City player to an Aston Villa player."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments