Ireland's Newcastle comeback stalls again

Newcastle midfielder Stephen Ireland has been ruled out of the final four games of the season with an ankle injury.

The on-loan Aston Villa man sustained the problem during Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Blackpool.

The Magpies confirmed in a statement this afternoon that he will be unavailable for the remainder of the campaign after having the injury assessed by the club’s medical staff.

The 24-year-old has made two appearances for the Tynesiders since his January arrival from Villa Park, coming off the bench against both Manchester United and Blackpool.