McLeish plays down Ireland row

Alex McLeish, the Aston Villa manager, played down a four-letter laden altercation with Stephen Ireland as ‘trivial’ after appearing to be on the receiving end of a vicious verbal volley from the midfielder.

Ireland was taken off at half-time during the 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park, due to what McLeish insisted was an ankle problem. The pair had a frank exchange of views in the wake of Newcastle’s opening goal, after the Scot felt his player had been tardy in closing down Danny Guthrie’s cross.

The Cork man’s withdrawal, insisted McLeish, was due to the injury rather than any petty managerial muscle-flexing on his part, and he added: “I never saw the f-off thing. I know he spoke back, but at the same time players don’t want to hear managers screaming at them form the touchline. I kick every ball, I’m passionate, and I care.