Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew hints at permanent deal for Stephen Ireland

Stephen Ireland,Aston Villa(Getty Images)

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Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has suggested that Stephen Ireland could make his loan move from Aston Villa a permanent one in the summer, even though the midfielder has yet to make an appearance with the Tyneside club.

Ireland sealed a loan move to St James’ Park in January after failing to make an impact at Villa Park earlier in the season, but the 24-year-old has so far been side-lined with thigh and knee injuries.

Although he has yet to make an appearance for the club, Pardew believes that Ireland still has enough time to make an impact in the side and earn himself a permanent transfer.

“He’s still got time to impress me because I still think there is a chance of something permanent here for Stephen,” Pardew told reporters.

“Things at Villa aren’t going too well. I want to have a good look at him before he goes back.

“He is under a little bit of pressure because there aren’t many games left, but when you’ve got a player of Stephen’s character, I don’t think that is a bad thing. He is a player who has played on a big stage in the past, it’s not like he is coming from a team which isn’t high profile.”

Pardew pointed to Ireland’s displays at Manchester City as evidence that the midfielder has what it takes to succeed for Newcastle.

“Manchester City where Ireland played before joining Villa have been very high profile. There were big players arriving but he was their best player. I think he can handle the big stage here.”

The Newcastle boss also admitted that Ireland needed to be handled carefully when he returns from injury.

“He’s a really nice guy, he’s fitted in well. He needs our full attention. You can’t let him drift. He needs to know he is important and he could be here. If he doesn’t feel important he doesn’t play his best.”