Source: Daily_Mail
Stephen Ireland declares himself fit to play for Newcastle
Stephen Ireland has told Newcastle boss Alan Pardew he is ready to make his debut for the club after recovering from injury.The on-loan Aston Villa star could even be handed his Toon bow against Everton on Saturday with thigh victim Joey Barton a doubt.Barton first picked up the knock on Friday in training, but felt the strain again during the warm-up ahead of Newcastle's draw with Bolton and withdrew shortly before the clash at St James' Park. Sidelined: Ireland has yet to play for Newcastle since his move from VillaRyan Taylor - sent off against the Trotters for a challenge on Johan Elmander - will be banned for the clash with the Toffees.But Ireland believes he has fully recovered from a knee problem and is ready to play for the first time since he appeared for Villa against Liverpool in December.The attacking midfielder would give Newcastle a lift after Barton's influence was missed against Bolton.'Stephen actually wanted to play against Bolton and now he could make his debut against Evertonl,' Pardew told the Evening Chronicle. Crocked: Barton's injury could see Ireland make his debut against Everton'It depends on Joey. Ryan is suspended for sure and Stephen has a great opportunity. 'He sent me a text on Saturday saying: "I'm ready to play".'He knew Joey got injured in training and, fair play to him, you want players who are desperate to play.'Pardew was devastated to see Barton miss out and says the injury is worrying enough to make him a big doubt for the visit of the Huyton lad's boyhood heroes.Reflecting on Barton's injury, Pardew said: 'No it's not precautionary.'He is a doubt for next week against Everton. It's a huge blow.' Tiote reveals why he snubbed Chelsea and stayed with 'welcoming' NewcastleNottingham Forest set to bring in Guthrie on loan to help promotion pushNewcastle 1 Bolton 1: Sturridge fires again to deny 10-man MagpiesAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor Places: Newcastle, Liverpool, Ireland