Stephen Ireland to leave Aston Villa
Stephen Ireland is set to leave Villa in January after manager Gerard Houllier confirmed the midfielder wants to quit the club.
Stephen Ireland is set to leave Villa in January after manager Gerard Houllier confirmed the midfielder wants to quit the club.
The 24-year-old joined Villa in August as part of the £24m transfer of James Milner to Manchester City.
But Ireland has not settled in the West Midlands and told Houllier at showdown talks this week that he wants to leave - just four months into a four-year contract.
Celtic are hoping to take Ireland on loan, although potential suitors for a permanent deal may be put off by Villa's £8m asking price for the playmaker.
"Stephen has told his agent that he wants to go in January," said Houllier.
"I'm not convinced about that. But once a player says he wants to go, he can go.
"There's a discrepancy between what I see in training and what I see in the game.
"I told his agent that's the only problem, he's got to sort that out.
"I like the man, I like the player. He's got some skills, he's got an eye for a pass but he's got to adapt to modern football as well.
"I am quite patient but it has been a huge shock for him coming from Manchester City."
Houllier also refuted reports of a training ground bust-up with Richard Dunne, but admitted some of his players had been "whining, moaning and complaining" over some of the changes he has made since taking over the job.
"I took a football decision not to play him (Dunne)," said Houllier.
By Timothy Abraham
