Gerard Houllier demands Stephen Ireland improvement
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has demanded that midfielder Stephen Ireland ups his game over the next few weeks.
Ireland was left out of the squad that played in the Midlands derby against Birmingham City at the weekend. The boss has told the player he will not get a game unless he ups the ante very soon.
"Ireland needs to work harder. He played against Chelsea
and did well, he played against Sunderland and was not good enough to me, simple as that.
He needs to work harder. The skill is one thing but you need to compete," said Houllier.
Fortunately for the club there is cover in the central midfield positions. However, Ireland can improve this area of the team but he has to address a number of areas first.
Things to improve
Ireland must work harder on running off of the ball when his side does not have possession. Players who do not press and cover leaves massive gaps of space and this is
something Ireland has been guilty of.
The basics of Ireland's game have not been good enough in the recent past. Simple passes have led to the ball being given away and Ireland's timing in terms of tackling
and challenges has looked way off.
There is cover in central midfield and youngster Ciaran Clark could now be given an extended run in the side. Clark is a very hungry and ambitious player who will not let
the opportunity slip by.
"It is a difficult period for him. We support him, we back him. He comes
to a new club and there is a change of manager in between. If you say 'he is a good player but he doesn't defend, he doesn't run back, he loses too many balls in crucial areas', then that is difficult," added the Frenchman.
Betting advice
Aston Villa has a much better chance of winning games with a fully fit and firing Stephen Ireland in the team. Be wary over the next few games but never be afraid to back
Ireland when he's in the team.
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