Ankle injury rules Newcastle midfielder Stephen Ireland out for the rest of the season

Stephen Ireland,Aston Villa(Getty Images)

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Newcastle United have confirmed Stephen Ireland will not feature again this season after being ruled out with an ankle injury.

The Aston Villa midfielder, who is on-loan at Newcastle until the end of the season, will now miss the remaining four games of the Magpies’ campaign.

The 24-year-old, who sustained the ankle injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Blackpool, was informed of his lay-off after being assesed by Newcastle United’s medical staff.

The news will come as a huge blow to the Irishman, who has made only two appearances for Newcastle since his loan deal in January, after suffering a knee and then thigh injury.

Ireland had only recently spoke of his frustration at being sidelined with injuries, after he made his first appearance in a black and white shirt as he came on as a substitute in Newcastle’s well-earned 0-0 draw against league leaders Manchester United last week.

Speaking after that game, the midfielder thanked the club’s fans and spoke of his excitement at being back to full fitness, he said: “It’s been really frustrating for me. I have not really had a manager who has wanted me to play and I have felt like an outcast for a while.

“It’s nice to be treated normally for once. I haven’t had that in a while. I have come here now and even through my injuries, they kept telling me, ‘Listen, it’s not a problem, just get yourself right’.

“The loyalty they have shown me, I am going to repay that as much as I can. It’s been really frustrating, but it’s all behind me now, thank God, and it’s finally here.

“It’s finally come around that I can play and I just want to finish the season strongly and try to benefit the team in whatever way I can.”