Ireland eager to make his mark

Soccer:Stephen Ireland is desperate to repay Newcastle's faith in him after belatedly making his debut. The 24-year-old has been a frustrated bystander for much of the past two and a half months after arriving from Aston Villa with a knee injury and then picking up a thigh strain as he neared full fitness.

In all, he sat out the first nine game of his temporary spell on Tyneside, extending his wait for meaningful action after last playing senior football on December 6th.

He finally got his chance in a black and white shirt 69 minutes into the club’s hard-fought 0-0 draw with leaders Manchester United last night, and is now determined to make up for lost time over the remaining five games of the Premier League campaign.

Ireland joined Villa from Manchester City after falling out of favour with Roberto Mancini, but failed to make his mark under Gerard Houllier in the midlands. However, he is delighted to have the chance to impress Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who has challenged him to prove that he could have a long-term future at St James’ Park.

Ireland said: “It’s been really frustrating for me. I have not really had a manager who has wanted me to play and I have felt like an outcast for a while. It’s nice to be treated normally for once. I haven’t had that in a while.

“I have come here now and even through my injuries, they kept telling me, ‘Listen, it’s not a problem, just get yourself right’. The loyalty they have shown me, I am going to repay that as much as I can. It’s been really frustrating, but it’s all behind me now, thank God, and it’s finally here.

“It’s finally come around that I can play and I just want to finish the season strongly and try to benefit the team in whatever way I can.”