Alex McLeish backs Stephen Ireland to shine at Aston Villa next season – EPL News
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has backed the under fire midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stephen-Ireland-c34149 to prove his worth at the Villa Park this season. The Villans’ manager is confident that the Irish international will enjoy a highly successful term and will be one of
the crucial players of Aston Villa in the upcoming 2011/12 Barclays Premier League campaign.
The Irish international endured a highly disappointing 2010/11 campaign after leaving Manchester City. The 24-year-old midfielder joined Aston Villa after http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/James-Milner-c17706 was sold to Manchester City and signed a four-year contract with the Villans.
Ireland endured a below par start to the life at Aston Villa and after failing to replicate his City form, the 24-year-old was loaned out to Newcastle United in the January 2011 transfer window.
McLeish recalls Ireland’s impressive form during his time at Manchester City where the 24-year-old used to be one of the sure starters. The Villans hailed Ireland’s form for Manchester City and is hopeful that the Irish international will be able to rejuvenate
his career next season.
"Stephen Ireland, a couple of years ago he looked an amazing player, making these forging runs from midfield, getting in the box, scoring goals, picking out the right passes,” the Villans manager asserted.
McLeish stated that form is temporary whereas class is permanent and believes that Ireland’s recent poor form is temporary and is confident the former Manchester City midfielder will display his class next term.
“Then, all of a sudden, his game hasn't gone the way you would expect,” stated the 52-year-old Scotsman.
The Villans’ boss also hailed Ireland’s performance during the pre-season training and tour. McLeish is relishing the prospect of keeping the Irish international fit for the upcoming campaign and believes that the 24-year-old has the quality to fill the
void left by Ashley Young and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stewart-Downing-c34221.
He added, "The player has excelled in training, making those piercing runs and I'm looking forward to getting Stephen Ireland fit and competing for the whole season.”
McLeish asserted that it is a responsibility of every manager to get the best out of every individual and the former Birmingham boss is determined to help Ireland regain his form in the upcoming 2011/12 season.
"As a manager, your http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 is to get the best out of every individual and that's what I'll do with Stephen Ireland," McLeish concluded.
Stephen Ireland is also fully committed to regain his form and to impress his new manager Alex McLeish. The Irish international played 12 games for Aston Villa and gave only 2 substitute appearances for Newcastle United last season.
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