STEVIE Ireland has revealed the extent of the health scare that saw him rushed from Eastlands in an ambulance, admitting: "I thought that was the end of me."

The 23-year-old midfielder was substituted during City's Carling Cup win over Fulham in September after complaining of feeling dizzy and unwell.

He was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital but was later released when tests failed to reveal the mystery illness and was back in action for the Blues within 12 days after picking up an unrelated stomach bug.

"It was a bit of a strange scare for me," said Ireland, who last month picked up the M.E.N's Greater Manchester Player of the Year gong.

"Thankfully it wasn't too serious because at the time I thought that was the end of me but I don't even know what it was. I've had every test that there is and still don't know what it was.

"It took me a while to get right but I'm back on track. Everything is looking positive."

Ireland has not played a full 90 minutes since his scare and has not started a league game, although he is in line for a return against Burnley on Saturday.

But he been impressed with the speed with which the host of summer signings have settled into life at Eastlands, and insists that can only bode well in the Blues' bid to end their wait for a trophy.

"Everyone has settled in well," added Ireland. "We've almost got a brand new squad but we've clicked really well.

"We've got to get on with it if we want to achieve things and we want to win things this year.

"So either we blend quickly or we don't get the chance to win trophies and that's the last thing we want at City because the spotlight is on us.

"Personally I was really happy with every player we brought in during the summer.

"All the players that we signed were the players that I would have signed if I was the manager because I rate them all so highly."

FOR information about the Stephen Ireland Foundation visit stephenireland.com

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