Blues stars throw a Paddy

City's Irish stars Steven Ireland and Shay Given have both been getting things of their chest this weekend.

First of all, Superman has gone on the offensive for the first time in 2 years over his international career.
There has been much debate from fans and pundits alike, with even Roy 'Scumbag' Keane quoted as saying he'd camp outside his house if Ireland returned to the international arena.

Whilst his last offering informed us that his team-mates tried to pull out his hair implants in the changing room was sensational to say the least. This week's offering is less sensational, more surprising.The Super-Hero is quoted in a Mirror 'Exclusive' as saying,

"I'll NEVER play for arrogant Trappotoni, even if Ireland qualify for the 2010 World Cup."

Clearly upset by his dialogue with the Republic of Ireland boss, Superman talks of a meeting in which Trappatoni insults him by continually leaving the room to answer his mobile and not giving him the time of day.


But the most interesting comments he saves for last, with his revelation that he doesn't miss playing for Ireland and that he sees it as a chore. He goes onto say that he won't even miss playing in the World Cup next summer and that he believes international football has had its day.


He claims there is a plethora of young Premier League footballers who will retire from playing international football after the World Cup and blames the bulging Premier League calendar, a lack of patriotism and meaningless friendlies for its demise.


As a new father I fully understand the want and need to be close to one's own family, and Ireland after the way he's been treated by manager and players alike is well within his right to not want to play.


His 'International football to die a death' comments are a little more difficult to agree with. Now most diehard club fans at any level will probably tell you that they feel 10 times more passion for their team than when their International eleven lines up. But In this case Ireland is probably underestimating the Patriotic bandwagon that rolls up just before a major championships and the Hysteria that follows. I know I'm not the only one!


The Blues custodian Shay Given meanwhile has been quoted in many newspapers, sites and blogs as being surprised at the abuse Ex Villa captain Gareth Barry received on his return to Villa Park. The Independent quotes him as saying,

"He was at Villa for so many years and did great service, got them £12 million after Villa hardly paid a penny for him as well, so I thought it was a bit unfair."

Given added,

"Fans up and down the country are perhaps a bit jealous of Man City in the sense that they have new owners and what they can bring to the club. But they should respect Gareth for what he did beforehand.""

He also goes on to commend the reaction of the City faithful towards their long time hero and captain Richard Dunne, who was cheered throughout Monday night's game. Just to cement their place as the best fans in all the world, they could be heard cheering Dunney Monster on after his goal against us. The Irishman returned the favour, and showed his class, by not celebrating and making some complimentary comments about us after the game.

Arsenal fans I can understand booing Adebayor and getting incensed at his goal celebration. But Villa fans hurling abuse at Barry after over a decade of 110 % commitment to the badge is going a bit too far, don't you think?