Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier questions Stephen Ireland's commitment

01 November 2010 07:32
Ireland was valued at £8 million when he moved to Villa in August as part of the deal which saw James Milner join Manchester City. [LNB]But he has only shown his best form in patches and failed to impress in the previous two matches against Sunderland and then Burnley in the Carling Cup. [LNB] Related ArticlesAston Villa 0 Birmingham 0Premier League actionPremier League tablePremier League fixturesTelegraph player raterSport on televisionHoullier opted to use rookie central defender Ciaran Clark in a midfield role in preference to Ireland, a non-playing substitute, during the goalless draw against Birmingham City at Villa Park on Sunday. [LNB]The former Liverpool manager has warned the Irishman that skill alone is not sufficient to put him at the forefront of his plans. [LNB]Houllier said: "Ireland needs to work harder. He played against Chelsea and did well, he played against Sunderland and was not good enough to me - simple as that. [LNB]"He needs to work harder. The skill is one thing but you need to compete. [LNB]"It is a difficult period for him. We support him, we back him. He comes to a new club and there is a change of manager in between." [LNB]The Frenchman added: "We know he is a good player but I don't want to have a situation where you say 'he is a good player, but....' [LNB]"If you say 'he is a good player but he doesn't defend, he doesn't run back, he loses too many balls in crucial areas', then that is difficult. [LNB]"He needs to get rid of these 'buts' about him and be a good player. He needs to work harder in games." [LNB]Villa have now gone 344 minutes without a league goal but Houllier is confident that position can be rectified. [LNB]Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is stepping up his rehabilitation work after groin surgery although he will not be ready for next weekend's game at Fulham. [LNB]He said: "Is the lack of goals a worry? No, because the positive side is we've conceded only one Premier League goal, an own goal against Sunderland. Yes, we know we have to score goals. [LNB]"As regards Agbonlahor, I was told he was working a bit harder today on his own with the physios. [LNB]"I don't think he will be in the plans for Fulham. After Fulham, who knows?" [LNB]

Source: Telegraph