Stephen Ireland to leave Aston Villa
Saturday 18th December 2010, 10:35AM GMT.
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
UK Sport
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