Ireland Loving His Run In The Team

Stephen Ireland has thanked Alex McLeish for his extended run in the team and he's said he feels stable at Villa and believes he is starting to show his true form.

Speaking to Sky Sports Ireland thanked the boss for his encouragement during the course of the season, and because of that he thinks we are now starting to see his real form and the way he can be key for us in games with his eye for a pass.

Fans however remain very torn on what Stevie can bring to us on the pitch - Stephen Ireland Forum Thread.

'I'm enjoying playing and getting a consistent run. I feel stable. I know I'll be playing game after game and it's my spot to lose. I'm feeling good and playing well. I got my chance, from there on, the manager has shown great faith in me.'

As seems almost obligatory in player interviews thesedays, Ireland also had the 'young lads' snippet:

'There are a lot of young lads in the team, but they're talented and ready for it. They are raring to go.'

Hopefully they certainly will be raring to go against Man United tomorrow.

Alex McLeish has also been on the Official Site lavishing praise on the midfielder, saying he knows the player is looking to finish the season strongly and discussing how his form has improved as the games have gone on this term:

'Stevie has had a good run of form, he's trained really well too. He's certainly showing in the games now a little bit of where he's been and what he's done. He can improve even further to get to the levels he showed at Man City. I know he's very keen to finish the season strongly.'

Ireland has been, in my eyes, quite impressive this season but our front line have never seemed to be on the same wavelength in reading the passes he makes. Something Bannan also suffered from. But the introduction of Weimann seems to have brought him on further as demonstrated against Stoke.

Hopefully that continues to click and gives us something to look forward to next season.

Vital Villa on:

Vital Villa on:

Join Vital Villa

It's easy to REGISTER, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.