Pants celebration lands Ireland in hot water

Stephen Ireland could face punishment from the FA for dropping his shorts at the end of Manchester City's 1-0 win over Sunderland.

The Republic of Ireland international scored the only goal of the game and revealed a pair of blue underpants with a Superman logo during the celebrations.

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I saw his celebration. Superman, super goal.

"Stephen scored a nice goal and I would like to leave it there. Maybe the FA will look at it but I hope not."

City picked up their seventh home win in a row and they move back into third spot within two points of leaders Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson was forced off and may need surgery on a groin injury.

Eriksson added: "Michael just could not run anymore.

"We will make a decision on an operation tomorrow but with an international break coming up, now would be a good time to have it.

"I am not sure how long he would be out but it won't be a long time, maybe two or three weeks."

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was predictably booed every time he stood on the touchline.

He said: "We didn't deserve anything because I don't feel we did enough to get anything out of the game. I don't think their goalkeeper had too many saves to make did he?

"They produced that one bit of quality and they scored."

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