Whatever lurks in the troubled mind of Stephen Ireland, few should be surprised by the Manchester City midfield player’s latest escapade. At least the FA displayed a rare sense of humour yesterday, judging that his impersonation of Superman deserved no more than the merest of slaps on the wrist. “Naughty boy,” the men in sober suits might have intoned. “Don’t do it again.”

Ireland raised a smile by dropping his shorts in celebration after scoring the goal in City’s 1-0 win over Sunderland at the City of Manchester Stadium on Monday night. His initially alarming action revealed blue underpants that bore the motif of, presumably, his comic-book super-hero, who probably inspired him to produce an almost superhuman volley. “We will be reminding him of his responsibilities,” an FA spokesman said. “There will be no formal disciplinary action.”

In Ireland’s chaotic world of “dead” grandmothers, living grandmothers, psychological counselling, alleged bullying and the refusal to play for his country, it was a swift and welcome conclusion. And, presumably, Ibrahima Sonko, the imposing Reading centre back, who is nicknamed “Superman” by supporters at the Madejski Stadium, will not be lodging a trademark complaint.

If only life was as simple for Ireland, 21, off the pitch. Only hours before the FA had reached its decision, Don Givens, the Ireland caretaker manager after the departure of Steve Staunton two weeks ago, explained why the player had not been included in the squad for their final European Championship qualifying match, against Wales in Cardiff a week on Saturday.

“I have not made contact with Stephen as I felt that Steve Staunton and the Football Association of Ireland [FAI] had made a lot of effort with Stephen to get him back,” Givens said. “I felt that it was time for a bit of effort to come the other way. It was not forthcoming, so I did not consider him for the squad.

“Stephen has made his situation known and the association has made its situation known. For the future manager, Stephen Ireland needs to sort out Stephen Ireland. Please, God, he will, because we could do with him. Whatever Stephen’s problems are, I’m not qualified to sort them out. I’m doing my [Uefa] Pro Licence, but it doesn’t go into that.”

Ireland’s difficulties began after the 2-2 draw away to Slovakia two months ago, when he excused himself from the next match, against the Czech Republic in Prague, by saying that a grandmother had died. This was false and another grandmother’s apparent demise also proved untrue when he admitted that he had returned home because his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage.

Stories later emerged – vehemently denied by the FAI – that Ireland had been upset in Bratislava, where teammates allegedly held him on the floor while attempting to determine whether he was wearing a hairpiece. The player has since received counselling, endorsed by Sven-Göran Eriksson, the City manager, and he withdrew from Staunton’s squad last month for the matches against Germany and Cyprus. “I do not believe I can make a positive contribution,” Ireland said at the time.

Ireland’s talent is unquestionable and Eriksson will need him even more in the coming weeks, with Michael Johnson, the City midfield player, who is scheduled to have abdominal surgery today. The new Ireland manager could do with him, too – he has scored four goals in six international appearances – and for his first match in charge, the possible prestige friendly against Brazil at Croke Park in February.

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, pleaded for clemency yesterday. “The lad has had serious personal problems,” Taylor said. “Football is about joy and celebrating goals.”

Had Ireland worn his pants over his shorts – in true Superman style – the FA verdict might have been different.