Stuart Pearce is convinced Stephen Ireland is at the right club to overcome his recent problems, particularly with Richard Dunne setting an example at Manchester City.
Ireland, the 21-year-old who was coached by Pearce at City, has been at the centre of a bizarre episode after he pulled out of last month's qualifier against the Czech Republic citing the death of a grandmother but later admitted he had made it up.
The official explanation was that he wanted to be with his partner who had suffered a miscarriage, and he pulled out of the squad to play Germany and Cyprus as he "would not do his country or himself justice".
Pearce feels Ireland can learn from Dunne, who had off-the-field problems earlier in his career but has turned it around to become the cornerstone of the City defence.
"Stephen Ireland has not got far to look to see how to do it," said Pearce. "He has to listen to the likes of Richard Dunne - he's a shining light over the last few years.
"As a player I think Stephen is outstanding. Even from the academy you could see he has a fantastic eye for a pass and can pick a defence open.
"Obviously there are one or two issues he has to resolve in his personal life which I was aware of when I was manager there.
"The club are bending over backwards to make sure Stephen Ireland is going to be as available as he can be for club and international level."
Pearce was in Cork taking charge of his England under-21 side, who face the Republic of Ireland tomorrow.
He was at City until the end of last season and has been credited with bringing through exciting young players, and new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has kept faith in them.
"All the young players are still playing there and that is a great thing for Stephen, there can be uncertainty in young players' minds," Pearce added.
"The likes of Stephen are flourishing under his and I think he is a great manager to flourish under."
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