If Aston Villa are to have a successful run over the next nine games, the unpredictable Stephen Ireland is one player who fans should be hoping will step up.
With top goalscorer Darren Bent ruled out, seemingly for the remainder of the season, the onus has certainly fallen on Aston Villa’s more creative players to play to the best of their ability.
While there have been flashes of improvement in Charles N’Zogbia’s performances, Stephen Ireland is one who has, as yet, failed to take on the added responsibility.
Since Bent’s injury at Wigan, Ireland has started both of the club’s matches at Blackburn and at home to Fulham, completing the full 90 minutes.
His best performance of the season came in Villa’s surprising yet stunning 3-1 away win at Chelsea, on New Year’s Eve, scoring one and creating another.
Overall he has failed to build on that display since then, despite the odd flicker, and remains very much an enigma, that Alex McLeish, nor many of his previous bosses, have been able to get the best out of.
News broke this week that the former Manchester City man is reported to have agreed a deal to play in America’s MLS, which adds further question to his commitment to Villa. Truth in that or not- talk like that can wait until the summer, he needs to concentrate on his club right now.
There is no doubt though, that Alex McLeish needs to tease out of him, the similar performances to his display at Stamford Bridge, with a tough run of games coming up.
With the club traveling to a resurgent Arsenal this weekend, before clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool, it would be a great time to rekindle his form.
If he does, then Aston Villa will be in with a shout of getting some points from the matches, if he doesn’t, tomorrow’s match especially will be tricky.
With Charles N’Zogbia remaining inconsistent, and Marc Albrighton having a less successful season than the last, Villa need somebody in midfield to seize the game and take it to their opponents.
Ireland has the capability, but whether he will, on the other hand, is another matter entirely.
Can McLeish get Ireland performing over the final nine games?
image: © alfonso jimenez
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