Source: Daily_Mail
Stephen Ireland pays tribute to Newcastle fans
Stephen Ireland admits he was 'taken aback' by the welcome he received from the Newcastle fans after his debut for the club.[LNB] The on-loan midfielder came off the bench as a 69th minute replacement for Peter Lovenkrands during the 0-0 draw with Barclays Premier League leaders, Manchester United, to a rousing reception from the Toon Army.[LNB] Singing the same Toon: Ireland received a warm welcome after making his Newcastle debut in the draw with United [LNB] 'I was quite touched and surprised by the reception the Geordie people gave me,' Ireland, who is on loan from Aston Villa, told the Newcastle Chronicle. [LNB]'Even when I was warming up fans were clapping and cheering. 'I was really impressed and taken aback by it.[LNB]'I am grateful and appreciate it a lot,' Ireland added. 'They have accepted me and want me to do well and that is all you want. 'I will now try to repay them by working as hard as I can.' [LNB]Ireland has endured a tough time on Tyneside since he arrived from Villa in January. [LNB] All smiles: But Ireland has endured a tough time at Newcastle since joining them on loan [LNB]Injuries have kept him away from first-team action for three months, while his girlfriend and their two-year-old son, were both involved in a serious car accident last week. Although they both survived, his girlfriend, Jessica Lawlor, was left with a broken ankle and internal bleeding.[LNB]'It has been hard, but it was all made a lot easier thanks to the Newcastle fans and the club,' Ireland continued. [LNB]'I am really impressed by the club, the staff and the fans - everybody has been brilliant with me.[LNB]'They have helped me with what has gone on. I am now just looking forward to getting my head down and playing as much football here as I can.[LNB] 'I just want to help the club climb as high up the league table as much as I can.'[LNB] Newcastle 0 Manchester United 0: Red Devils fire blanks to give Arsenal hopeIreland set for St James' bow... almost three months after joining NewcastlePremiership footballer's girlfriend seriously injured after car smashes into a tree Explore more:People: Jessica Lawlor Places: Newcastle, Ireland
