Ireland to return to Villa

Ireland: Has struggled for form and fitness this season

On-loan Newcastle midfielder Stephen Ireland will return to parent club Aston Villa to begin his rehabilitation.

Ireland has been ruled out for the rest of the season, having played just two games in a Newcastle shirt following his loan move in January.

The 24-year-old has struggled for form and fitness since his switch to Villa Park from Manchester City last summer, but caretaker manager Gary McAllister has faith in him.

“Stephen is an Aston Villa player. He’s our responsibility,” said McAllister, who is in charge of first-team affairs while manager Gerard Houllier recovers from a stint in hospital.

Return

“When he reports back, he needs to be assessed by the medical people here and then be set a programme to get fit.

“He has had all these problems for a long time now. He went on loan, it’s not worked.

“He’s had problems up at Newcastle as well, a number of injuries as well, groin, hamstring, ankle, he’s not had much luck.”

Ireland has been linked with a move away from Villa Park after failing to settle, but McAllister’s main concern is helping the Irishman regain his fitness.

He said: “There is no doubt he is a talented player but he’s got to get fit before we see the real Stephen Ireland.”