Throughout his career, he hasn't been one to make comments like you want him to. He has, however, been quoted about how he wants to fit in, he wants to do well and he appreciates it will take time to get to know the way his teammates play. I agree, his agent is a leech. However, I am very sure that Ireland wants to stay. That was what he said in his meeting with Houllier last week. He wants to fight for a place. He was told, in no uncertain terms, that he was not wanted at the club. He was told he didn't fit in the managers plans and he was asked to submit a transfer request.
As for him not having a place in Birmingham, he was never asked to move. He has been given accommodation by the club (as have a number of other players) which suits his current needs. He is reluctant to move him family because he knows his future here is uncertain.
He is being forced out of the club. The manager upset him by making comments to the press, comments which he apologised for. The manager has asked him to submit a transfer request, which he refused to do. The manager has, since then, gone on the offensive through the media knowing that his comments will upset SI, a player he has admitted is sensitive to that kind of criticism.
As for suing Man City, why is that a problem? It's not as if he is working on the legal case himself? His lawyers say "Man City are refusing to pay the £1.5 million they agreed. Do you want us to fight them for it?". What would you say in that instance?
I think it's disgraceful that Houllier is airing this dirty linen in public. It's not the way I like our club to be working.
You see the problem with that is Houllier said to the media that Ireland asked to leave. Ireland could quite easily have a story surface where he says he didn't and was told to leave, especially with the grief Houllier has been getting from sections of the Villa crowd.
Sure it just isn't you covering your tracks - you did say Ireland wanted to stay afterall and it clearly isn't the case. No offence.