Stephen Ireland is an attacking midfield player, who joined Villa from Manchester City in August 2010.

After progressing through City's academy set-up, Stephen made his senior debut for the club in September 2005, coming on as a substitute against Bolton. He became a regular in the City side, going on to claim the club's Player of the Year trophy, and was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2007-08.

Stephen joined Villa at the start of the 2010-11 season and made his debut at Newcastle. Despite a promising start, a series of niggling injuries meant he was unable to regain his place in the side. In the new year he joined Newcastle United on loan, but his injuries persisted and he managed just two appearances from the bench during his stay.

Stephen is a player with mercurial ball control and passing ability, and is a full international for the Republic of Ireland.