Ireland enjoying Villa run

Ireland enjoying Villa run

Stephen Ireland: Feeling good under Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish

Stephen Ireland is enjoying getting a consistent run in the Aston Villa side and has thanked Alex McLeish for giving him a second chance.

The midfielder was the makeweight in the 24million James Milner deal which took the England international to Manchester City.

And after struggling under former Villa boss Gerard Houllier, who claimed the 25-year-old didn't work hard enough, his successor McLeish has encouraged the player, which Ireland has acknowledged.

"I'm enjoying playing and getting a consistent run," Ireland told the Daily Express: "I feel stable. I know I'll be playing game after game and it's my spot to lose. I'm feeling g ood and playing well.

"I got my chance and I took it. From there on, the manager has shown great faith in me.

"There are a lot of young lads in the team, but they're talented and ready for it. They're raring to go."

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