You stupid boy - Ireland admits he made up story about 'dead grannies'

City boss Eriksson will meet the Republic of Ireland star at the club's training ground this morning and ask him to explain why he invented the bereavements after learning last Saturday night that his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage in Manchester.

Scroll down to read more:

Silly Stephen: Ireland after scoring on Saturday

After days of confusion, it emerged that Ireland lied to national coach Steve Staunton because he did not think he would be allowed to return home if he simply told the truth.

Eriksson said: "I think whatever problems you have in life, you must stick close to the truth when you speak about them.

"Do not come with lies. That's stupid. I am very disappointed with Stephen."

Ireland initially told Staunton last Saturday that his maternal grandmother, Patricia Tallon, had died and he was flown home from Slovakia by private jet, the following morning.

He had scored in a 2-2 draw during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign the night before.

But after Mrs Tallon appeared in the Irish Press on Monday declaring herself alive and well, Ireland changed his story and told Staunton and the Football Association of Ireland that it was his paternal grandmother, Brenda Kitchener, who had passed away.

Inevitably, Mrs Kitchener subsequently revealed herself to be alive — prompting Ireland to reveal the incredible truth about the web of lies he began to spin once his girlfriend, Jessica, called to say she had miscarried.

A statement from Ireland said: "My girlfriend was distraught and explained that she had just suffered a miscarriage.

"Jessica said she was very lonely and wanted me to come home. She said she thought they might let me come home quicker if they thought my grandmother had died.

"On Thursday I got a call from City stating the FAI had discovered that my grandmother, Brenda Kitchener, was alive.

"I decided at that stage that I must tell the truth and admit that I told lies. I'd like to apologise to my grandmothers and all my family for any distress I've caused."

It is not thought that Eriksson will fine Ireland, even though he lied to City, too, in order to be excused from training.

He is not expected back in Manchester until this morning when Eriksson will assess his state of mind ahead of tomorrow's home game with Aston Villa.

Sources at City and the FAI, who paid £50,000 to charter the jet for Ireland, are astonished the player chose not to tell the truth, insisting privately he would have been allowed home had he merely stuck to the facts.

But enquiries reveal a picture of a confused young footballer with a complicated lifestyle.

Already the father of two children by a previous partner, Ireland has previously baffled City officials with his behaviour.

One source who knows Ireland well told Sportsmail last night: "As soon as I heard about what was supposed to have happened, I thought that he had probably made the whole thing up.

"Normally, I wouldn't believe this, but with Stephen I would."

Yet City are prepared to be lenient towards a player Eriksson believes has a bright future.

"I will not kill him when I meet him," said the City boss with a smile.

"You're always disappointed with people who don't tell the truth, but why should I be angry?

"I'm not going to crucify him for the rest of his life. Life goes on. He is a fantastic footballer and I like him."

Eriksson has been named manager of the month for August and City defender Micah Richards, who may be captain in the absence of suspended Richard Dunne tomorrow, is player of the month.