Lucky No 7 for Villa's Stephen Ireland

Stephen Ireland has his heart set on a fresh start at Villa after being re-acquainted with his lucky No 7 shirt.

The midfielder, back under Villa's wing after a wretched first year at the club, has been delighted to hand on the fabled No 9 shirt to Darren Bent and take the No 7 under new manager Alex McLeish.

Ireland said: "My number's always been seven, but when I came here Ashley Young had that number. But now I've got the one I want and so has Darren, so we're really happy about that.

"I've worn the seven since I was a young boy and it's the number I love. It's a superstitious thing.

"The nine probably comes with a bit more pressure but I'm sure Darren can handle that and score the goals and hopefully I can do what a No.7 should and set him up for a few of them."

Ireland is now relishing the chance of another start under McLeish.

The former Manchester City man added: "If I can get a good pre-season behind me I can kick on. Then I can, hopefully, forget the difficulties I've had and be an important player."

Boss McLeish is also aiming to recruit his former Blues assistant Peter Grant.