Ireland Knows He Let Down Alan Pardew

04 February 2012 12:26
Stephen Ireland has described his loan spell at Newcastle as 'a waste of time' as he prepares to return to St James' Park with Aston Villa on Saturday.

He was restricted to just two substitute appearances for Newcastle, before returning to Villa in the summer.

Stephen Ireland: "I went to Newcastle hoping to get some games, but it never happened for me.

"It was a bit of a waste of time. I had an injury which knocked me off my momentum.

"They got me fit and it was unfortunate that I couldn't repay them.

"I went on in the second half against Manchester United and did really well but in the next game against Blackpool I snapped my ankle ligaments.

"It was frustrating, but I'd like to think that's behind me now.

"When the new manager came here I came back for the new season with high hopes.

"I didn't play as much as I would have liked early on but I knew it was a long season and I would get in at some stage.

"I just had to keep the faith. Now I have got in the team, hopefully I can stay in there.

"Now I finally have a chance to show what I can do and build up a bit of a reputation. I'm hoping I can continue to grow."

 

Source: FOOTYMAD