Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland has said that he is hoping to remain as a Aston Villa player next season. Stephen Ireland has been criticised by current boss Alex McLeish for not being professional enough. The midfielder arrived in a swap deal involving James Milner from Manchester City a few seasons ago. However, he has not been able to stake a claim in the first-team due to his regular problems off the pitch. He recently dismissed suggestions that he is looking for a move to the United States to play with former Aston Villa striker Robbie Keane, who is currently with MLS side LA Galaxy.
Robbie Keane made the great impact with Aston Villa during his short term loan spell from LA Galaxy. He has also seem to have affected the future plans of Stephen Ireland after that have been recent speculation that the Ireland midfielder is looking for a move to the United States in order to escape the constant attention from the media over his private life. Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish recently said that watching Ireland play is a great pleasure, and he hopes that the midfielder will soon become a regular part of the first team.
“My objective now is to be the best I can and to keep entertaining the fans. Things are going brilliantly for me at the moment and that’s a massive relief. I’ve put 100 per cent into my game, tried to express myself and work hard for the team. It makes it even more satisfying when you feel you’ve ‘earned’ your shirt,” said Ireland ahead of the match with Arsenal during the weekend. Aston Villa will be taking on one of the inform teams in the Premier league in the form of Arsenal. They can put their relegation worries to the bed with a win at the Emirates.