Stephen Ireland will get Aston Villa chance
Saturday 27th November 2010, 11:33AM GMT.
Manager Gerard Houllier is prepared to be patient in his efforts to bring the best out of Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland.
Houllier criticised the midfielder’s work ethic last month which followed a muted start to Ireland’s Villa career after his makeweight transfer in the James Milner sale to Manchester City.
But Houllier says this should not be seen as his giving up on Ireland making a success of his stay – despite speculation that the player was already looking for a switch in January.
“I am very patient and I hope everyone is as patient as I am,” said Houllier. “His attitude is fine. I expect more than he is giving at the moment. He knows that.
“This is not an issue. I am prepared to talk about the team, not individuals.
“All I know is he has just come to the club. Whether he wanted to come to the club, I don’t know. As a player, he has got something special. I like that. But his input has got to be better.”
Ireland has struggled to force his way into the starting XI but was included for last weekend’s 2-0 loss at Blackburn.
UK Sport
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