Stephen Ireland feared he was going to die when he was rushed to hospital after complaining of dizziness during a Carling Cup tie with Fulham. The Manchester City star had no-one near him when he suddenly felt unwell in the match at Eastlands in September.

He was promptly substituted by Mark Hughes but when his symptoms failed to improve, he was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital for exhaustive tests.

In the end, no reason for Ireland’s strange turn was established and he was released during the early hours. But the Cobh-born midfielder admitted at the time he was very worried.

“Thankfully it wasn’t too serious because at the time I thought that was the end of me,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “I don’t know what it was. I have had every test that there is and I still don’t know but it was a bit of a strange scare.

“It took me a while to get right but I am back on track. Everything is looking positive.”

Ireland returned to action just 12 days afterwards. However, he has since lost his regular starting berth, having failed to find the form that saw him identified as one of the best young players in the Premier League last term.

He was a substitute for Sunday’s draw at Birmingham, with a 30-minute appearance failing to prevent City being held to a fourth consecutive draw.

Although the big-spending Blues have lost ground on Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, they are now in fourth spot, with Ireland confirming City are still pleased with their recent efforts.

“We have almost got a brand new squad but we have clicked really well. We have to get on with it if we want to achieve things and win things this year.”