Stephen Ireland's celebration's on hold

Stephen Ireland was named as Villa's supporters' player of the season but today admitted the celebrations are on hold until after the club's Premier League safety is guaranteed.

Ireland picked up the accolade at the club's end-of-season awards dinner held at Villa Park last night having been one of the claret and blues' most consistent performers throughout a difficult campaign.

"It means loads to me. At the start of the season my goal was to get an award and preferably this one. I didn't play much in the first two or three months of the season which was a setback but I knew when I got in the team I had the chance," said Ireland.

"I felt like I worked hard, I am really happy I got this, I am really grateful that the fans took notice and it is something I really appreciate. I am grateful.

"I know exactly what I need to do to get them on my side – work hard and give everything every game regardless of who we are playing or are up against.

"At any time of the game I felt like I had to keep work hard for the fans and put in effort and the effort has been repaid and I am grateful. I think I'll only be able to enjoy it when we're safe."

Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov, who was recently diagnosed with acute leukaemia, won the players' player of the season at the dinner held in the Holte Suite.

The Bulgarian was not present at the awards ceremony but thanked his team-mates with a pre-recorded video message as he continues his battle with the illness.

Andreas Weimann edged out fellow youngster Gary Gardner to be named as the supporters' young player of the year and the Austrian striker also won the goal of the season award for his spectacular curling effort against Stoke City last month.

Meanwhile Villa right-back Alan Hutton paid tribute to goalkeeper Shay Given's contribution to the campaign after his world-class save against Albion helped them edge a point closer to safety.

Hutton said: "He is unbelievable. You just have to look at some of the saves he has made in the last few weeks. When you have someone like Shay Given in goal you expect the kind of saves he made against Albion.

"Shay does it week in week out. You have that bit of confidence with him in goal. The guy is unbelievable."