Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has urged Stephen Ireland to be patient following a period of frustration for the midfield star.

Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong have been paired together at the heart of the midfield recently, restricting 23-year-old Ireland to cameo roles off the bench in the last four league matches.

But Hughes said: "We've changed the shape of the team.

"For the majority of the season last year we played 4-3-3, but we have changed to a 4-4-2 more often than not this year. Nigel and Gareth became a pair when Stephen went out of the team, did well, so Stephen has found it a little difficult to get back in.

"It's not really a reflection on how he is playing because he is doing exceptionally well in training games, or whatever.

"So on a daily basis he is getting back to where he knows he is comfortable with, and he is a great option for us. It's about him being patient and biding his time and he will get opportunities, he knows that. He is too good a player to keep out of the team for too long."