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Stephen Ireland relishing change in fortune at Aston Villa as he looks to get his career back on track
The Irish playmaker struggled for form and fitness last year, but feels he is on his way back to his best after winning the fans' support following his assist against Everton
16 Jan 2012 14:18:00
By Arthur Virgo
Getty Images
Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland has revealed he is beginning to enjoy his time at the club after setting up Darren Bent’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Everton.
Ireland has endured a turbulent time since his arrival at Villa Park in August of 2010, but he has begun to find form of late after being handed a run of starts under Alex McLeish.
The playmaker’s performance was greeted by cheers from the fans on Saturday, and followed another sparkling showing in Villa’s 3-1 win away to Chelsea in December.
"It's nice when the fans sing your name,” he told The Guardian.
"I've not had the greatest of relationships with them but I've not had a consistent run in the team. It's been frustrating but I seem to be playing now and I'm pleased.
“I started on the left wing and the manager swapped me with Gabby [Agbonlahor]. It worked well. I can get a little lost in the game out on the left.”
The 25-year-old has suffered from a number of injuries since his £8 million switch from Manchester City, and has struggled to make the team, going on an unsuccessful loan spell to Newcastle United in the process.
However, Ireland is relishing his current change in fortunes, adding: "I'm feeling good, I'm getting fitter and you get that with a consistent run.
"In the majority of games, I would be feeling like I was coming off no matter how well I was doing. I guess that was because I haven't been given the trust. Probably since I first got here, I haven't been given that trust - but I have now thanks to the gaffer.
"I'm in a good place. I'm working as hard as I can, I'm improving game by game and the more confidence I get, the better. I feel ready to show my best form now.
“It's a question of getting on the same wavelength as some of the other players. I feel like I'm going in the right direction and the more football I get, it will improve.”
Manager Alex McLeish commented: "We have worked hard with Stephen. I've been patient with him, and he's now producing. And he's winning the fans over. It was brilliant to hear that.
“I told him there were a few things he could do to endear himself to the Villa fans. Fancy flicks are all well and good but they want to see you graft as well. He has been fantastic at that recently and I think the fans appreciate it.
“He has set a standard now which he can't drop below. We want to see that from him every week."
Former Republic of Ireland team-mate Shay Given added: "Stephen's confidence has taken a lift. He wants to be on the ball more and is more bubbly around the place.”
Ireland has not played for the national side since he controversially retired from international football in 2008, and the player admitted he is not yet considering a return to the set-up in time for Euro 2012.
When asked, Ireland responded: "I've not been approached, and I'll see when it comes to me. It's not something I think about. I've not been playing for so long [with Ireland] that I'm not missing it. I'm just going to concentrate on my club football.”
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Ireland has endured a turbulent time since his arrival at Villa Park in August of 2010, but he has begun to find form of late after being handed a run of starts under Alex McLeish.
The playmaker’s performance was greeted by cheers from the fans on Saturday, and followed another sparkling showing in Villa’s 3-1 win away to Chelsea in December.
"It's nice when the fans sing your name,” he told The Guardian.
"I've not had the greatest of relationships with them but I've not had a consistent run in the team. It's been frustrating but I seem to be playing now and I'm pleased.
“I started on the left wing and the manager swapped me with Gabby [Agbonlahor]. It worked well. I can get a little lost in the game out on the left.”
The 25-year-old has suffered from a number of injuries since his £8 million switch from Manchester City, and has struggled to make the team, going on an unsuccessful loan spell to Newcastle United in the process.
However, Ireland is relishing his current change in fortunes, adding: "I'm feeling good, I'm getting fitter and you get that with a consistent run.
"In the majority of games, I would be feeling like I was coming off no matter how well I was doing. I guess that was because I haven't been given the trust. Probably since I first got here, I haven't been given that trust - but I have now thanks to the gaffer.
"I'm in a good place. I'm working as hard as I can, I'm improving game by game and the more confidence I get, the better. I feel ready to show my best form now.
“It's a question of getting on the same wavelength as some of the other players. I feel like I'm going in the right direction and the more football I get, it will improve.”
Manager Alex McLeish commented: "We have worked hard with Stephen. I've been patient with him, and he's now producing. And he's winning the fans over. It was brilliant to hear that.
“I told him there were a few things he could do to endear himself to the Villa fans. Fancy flicks are all well and good but they want to see you graft as well. He has been fantastic at that recently and I think the fans appreciate it.
“He has set a standard now which he can't drop below. We want to see that from him every week."
Former Republic of Ireland team-mate Shay Given added: "Stephen's confidence has taken a lift. He wants to be on the ball more and is more bubbly around the place.”
Ireland has not played for the national side since he controversially retired from international football in 2008, and the player admitted he is not yet considering a return to the set-up in time for Euro 2012.
When asked, Ireland responded: "I've not been approached, and I'll see when it comes to me. It's not something I think about. I've not been playing for so long [with Ireland] that I'm not missing it. I'm just going to concentrate on my club football.”
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
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