Time is running short for Stephen Ireland to make a meaningful impression at St James’ Park, with his loan spell from Aston Villa being undermined by a frustrating series of injuries.
But Alan Pardew, the Newcastle United manager, remains eager to sign the midfield player on a permanent basis.
Ireland joined Newcastle on transfer deadline day in January but has yet to make his debut for the club. A knee problem which has kept him out of action since December has now been replaced by a thigh strain and, according to Pardew, the 24-year-old will “definitely miss” the match at Stoke City on March 19.
Pardew has taken responsibility for rushing Ireland back too quickly — “I think we’re at fault a little bit,” he said — but while no arrangement has been made with Villa to buy him, the prospect remains a viable one. Having left Manchester City for Birmingham last summer for £8 million, Ireland appears to have little future under Gérard Houllier.
“He’s still got time to impress me because I still think there is a chance of something permanent here for Stephen,” Pardew said. “Things at Villa aren’t going too well. I want to have a good look at him before he goes back.
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“We haven’t got anything in place in terms of a deal because there wasn’t time. We took a chance and Villa took a chance.”
Ireland requires careful man- management. “He is under a little bit of pressure because there aren’t many games left, but when you’ve got a player of Stephen’s character, I don’t think that’s a bad thing,” Pardew said.
“I don’t think he needs an arm around the shoulder, but he needs our full attention. You can’t let him drift. If he doesn’t feel important, he doesn’t play his best.”