McLeish keeps the faith in Ireland

STEPHEN IRELAND has played in just six of Aston Villa’s 13 games this season but manager Alex McLeish insists the Cobh native has a future in claret and blue.

The former Scotland boss revealed that Ireland did not make the trip to Swansea last weekend because of a strained ligament in his right foot, putting to bed claims that the former Manchester City midfielder had been dropped from the 18-man squad.

“He did have a knock on his foot; in training on Friday morning he came in after the warm-up and said he was just feeling a bit of pressure on it when he was running,” explained McLeish.

“Even jogging was too painful to endure, so there was no way we could risk him.”

When questioned whether the former Ireland international would be moving on in January McLeish was dismissive and the Villa boss still believes Ireland can restore the form that made him a fans’ favourite at Manchester City.

McLeish continued: “At the end of the day, in terms of wanting him to go, I don’t need anybody to leave this club because we are kind of thin on numbers anyway.

“Don’t think I’m criticising Stevie here but I’m still looking for the players to give me that wee bit extra that says ‘you’ve got a problem next week, boss’.

“I can’t really loan anybody else out. I’ve still got hopes for Stevie. We probably need to have the right players to play alongside him.”

Ireland’s £8m (€9.3m) move to Villa as a makeway deal that saw James Milner move to Eastlands showed much promise as Martin O’Neill began to build a side to challenge the top four.

O’Neill’s departure saw Gerard Houllier take the reins at Villa Park and it was not long before he fell out with the midfielder, who ended up at Newcastle on loan.

McLeish took over in the summer and admitted he was a big fan of “Stevie”.

Ireland continues to impress on the training ground.

“He’s worked really hard,” said McLeish.

“He’s always one of the star performers on the training ground because of his touch and his vision.

“I certainly can’t say he hasn’t applied himself. Stevie, like everybody else when we’re 13 games into it, has just got to be patient.

“When you see his breaking and counter-attacking, that’s the Stevie Ireland I remember, making the runs off the ball, brilliant touch.”

“That’s what we need to see from Stevie when he’s in the team but, again, the system’s got to suit certain players as well.”

McLeish confirmed he expected Ireland midfielder to be fit and in the squad for Manchester United’s visit to Villa Park on Saturday evening.