AND HE’S BACK in the game!
Struggling to earn a starting place in the Aston Villa side since new boss Gerard Houllier arrived, Stephen Ireland took to Twitter earlier to tease Ireland fans.
The Cobh-born midfielder has been exiled from the Irish set-up since a high-profile departure – two dead grannies etc – from Steve Staunton’s squad in Slovakia.
Despite repeated overtures from team-mates like Richard Dunne, phone calls from the FAI and public invitations from Trap, Ireland has remained absent from the Irish camp.
But while he’s out in the cold with Ged at Villa Park, a return to the green jersey seems a more appealing prospect for the Corkman.
might have to give trap a buzz to get a game!
The midfielder arrived in the Midlands as part of the deal that saw James Milner move to Manchester City. But since Martin O’Neill left the club, he has not enjoyed his time in Birmingham.
Houllier publicly criticised the player this month saying: “He needs to work harder. The skill is one thing, but you need to compete.”
Fulham boss Mark Hughes is keen on Ireland – who was said ot be stung by the comments – after the pair worked together at City.
An Aston Villa spokesperson said they couldn’t verify the authenticity of the Twitter account today.
Would you take him back for Ireland?
