Source: PA
McAllister wants to see fully-fit Ireland
Caretaker manager Gary McAllister admits Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland has to gain full fitness before his "real talent" can blossom.
Ireland is returning to Villa to undergo rehabilitation work after his loan spell at Newcastle was cut short by injury setbacks.
It was a similar scenario during the first half of the campaign after Ireland moved to Villa from Manchester City as part of the deal which saw James Milner head in the opposite direction.
McAllister, who is continuing to deputise while manager Gerard Houllier recovers from a heart problem, said: "Stephen is an Aston Villa player. He's our responsibility.
"When he reports back, he needs to be assessed by the medical people here and then be set a programme to get fit.
"He has had all these problems for a long time now."
