Pardew urges Ireland to prove himself.

toonsy

Ireland finally ready to return.
It looks like Stephen Ireland is finally fit to play some part for Newcastle as the final six games of the season loom large.

It’s been two-and-a-half months since Ireland made his deadline day loan switch from Aston Villa, and we are still waiting for him to kick a ball for us after his initial injury, and then a further injury, prohibited him from taking part in any games for us, aside from semi-naked nightclub games of course.

However, there is now some positive news on Stephen Ireland as Alan Pardew has revealed that Ireland will be fit enough to take a place on the bench for next Tuesday’s game against Manchester United. In fairness it’s the sensible move considering the lack of match practice Ireland has had.

“He won’t start, but he’ll be on the bench,” Pardew told the Northern Echo. “That will really beef up our offensive capability and, if I’m honest, it needs it.”

Two things we can take from that. One is that Pardew can see that we are weak up front, which is pretty obvious to be fair, and the other is that Ireland is going to be used in an attacking capacity, perhaps in a more creative capacity. I mean we did struggle to create anything against Aston Villa at the weekend so hopefully Ireland can be a positive influence in that role.

I say hopefully, and that is for our sake as fans, and for Ireland’s sake as a player as Alan Pardew laid down the challenge to the 24-year-old and has given him these next six games to prove that he is worth a move to Newcastle in the summer.

“I don’t think there’s pressure on Stephen as a player because he’s already proven he is a very good player at Manchester City,” said Pardew.

“The question with Stephen is whether he can do it in a black and white shirt. We’ve got this period between now and the end of the season where he has to show he can. If we don’t see it in the next six games, it’s highly unlikely we are going to bring him here permanently.”

“He has to be comfortable at the club, and we have to be comfortable with him. This is a very important period for him, and we hope he’s going to feature heavily in these last six games.”

So the challenge is there in balck and white – Ireland has to perform or he is out! It seems a bit harsh to me and I would have preferred to use Ireland’s idea and look at a second loan spell should things not work out this season. I mean he was signed when he was injured, and it was from trying to rush him back that he got injured again. Pardew knows this, as he explains here:

“We took him injured, and the loan deal reflects that because he hasn’t cost us any money. He will cost us when he plays, and I can’t wait to pay some money for him. There weren’t many better midifelders around a couple of years ago when he was at City. He was outstanding.”

I’m sure we’re all hoping that we get the Manchester City Stephen Ireland and not the one that seemed uninterested at Villa Park earlier on in the season. If we can coax the former out of Ireland then we could have some player on our hands. Of course much of that will depend on just how Stephen responds to the pressure that has now been placed on him to perform after such a long lay-off.

Pardew is playing Mr Motivator with this challenge. It could prove to be a masterstroke, or it could fail massively.

Time will tell.

About toonsy

A lifelong Newcastle fan and current webmaster of this very 'blog who has the sole aim of creating a place by Newcastle United fans, for Newcastle United fans.

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59 thoughts on “Pardew urges Ireland to prove himself.”

  1. I feel it’s going to be a bit of a Ben Arfa situation just without the injury, fingers crossed.

    He will play well in a couple of games for us and we already know he’s good enough which will earn him his move, in my opinion.

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  2. A lot of pressure though. Hopefully it spurs him on to show us that he is still interested in football and not the next pink thing that becomes available 😉

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  3. Looking forward to seeing him play. Though you can’t expect much from him for a few games. Pity the season’ll be over by the time we can start assessing his worth. I think the best thing is to sign him up for a year’s loan.

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  4. Toonsy, he seems to me the type that thrives on pressure and criticism from outside as long as he’s wanted and seen as a crucial player with his own club and fans.

    Bris, that would be the best option to get him back on loan but I wouldn’t think Villa would be too keen unless we put a clause in where we buy him after so many games like with Benny.

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  5. Dan – not so sure on that to be honest mate. We’ll see I guess.

    Personally I think its too much pressure for six games considering he’s been out for so long.

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  6. Villa are desperate to offload him. So if we can see any glimpse of the “2008/09 Ireland” we will be getting him in the summer! :mrgreen:

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  7. Yeah, like you say we’ll see.

    Right that’s me off, unusual at this time am saying bye to more than toonsy 😆

    Night lads – I don’t mean you Bobby if your still around 😉

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  9. @Dan see ya after some time 😀

    @toonsy *fingers crossed* Can he show his form during that 6 games have to be seen. If he wants to be out of Villa he will play at his best!

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  10. True. I suppose there is some motivation for him to be had. I mean he clearly wants away so like you say he’ll need to play well to make sure he can get away.

    You’ve changed my mind. I like it now :mrgreen:

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  11. :-] Lets hope he does well and earns himself a permanent deal. Also help us to finish the season in great style.

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  12. I reckon Ireland will come good for us… He was not happy with the move to Villa and it showed,, Hoepfully now that he is out of there, he will show us what he can do.. you never lose class… only motivation and desire..

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  15. Well, some of us have to work, Aussie. And the Poms are too busy sleeping at this time of day. It’s the weather, you see, it never gets bright enough over there for them to tell whether it’s day or night.

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  16. Little BS9’s brain cell should be firing up about now. Can’t wait to give hime a smacking great hello 😀

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  17. Ireland will go either way. A great ovation from the crowd and the winner against Manchester utd would give him a confidence boost.

    Stick a moustache on him and a top hat and he’d make a great villain. You know, the type that ties damsels to train lines in black and White silent films.

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  18. Hey Vegas, yeah I was aware of the time difference mate.. I am at work too (from home) so I have too much time up my sleeves…

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  20. The sun’s going down. I’m sick of reading a bad version of This is Your Life. I need to have a chat with Mr Walker. You there, Johnny?

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  23. Lets be honest, we’re just not going to see him play well in these six games. You cannot be out for so long, move clubs and then just start performing like he has in the past. He hasn’t really played well for a year or so, so it’s asking a lot.

    Although credit where credits due, the club were right to agree the deal with Villa that we only pay for his salary when he actually plays.

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  24. fair point Stuart…… I can’t remember a time when a Newcastle player will have so much scrutiny when they make their debut for a new club. Ireland has certainly divided opinions!

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  26. True Mick, but Joey’s debut was more about temperment than ability… Most seem to think Ireland has lost it playing wise… With Joey early on, it was more about who he was going to hurt!!

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  27. Aussie,also with Joey as we all know it was quite a while before he showed his true form,due to injuries and jail sentences etc.Like a lot of people have said it’s a bit unfair to try and judge a player in 6 games,hopefully we will be able to extend Irelands loan till maybe Jan.next year.

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  29. I really hope we get to see something from Ireland as I really would like him to form a 3 pronged attack with HBA and A.N.Other next season. I think he is a great player and is young which fits perfectly with the clubs ethos. I think the pressure will be no greater than it is for any other player to pull on the shirt, and that comes from us the fans.

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  30. Great smacking kisses to you, and your brain cell, Bullshit No 9. Sorry I can’t stay, I have to go out now, so have a wonderful day and very good a beautiful sleep this evening when it’s time to rest your weary head. xxx

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  31. Well, Ireland is being given the opportunity and the ball is in his court. Bit of a baptism of fire to come on against Man U, but by Birmingham at home ext I think he will either be in the side and showing us what he can do or he will have flopped. It’s totally up to him and he definately has the ability. He’s been a fantastic player in the past, just not the last few years.

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  32. For God sake Pardew play one striker (if fit Shola) and Nolan pushed up and then Maybe Ireland pushed up, Tiote and Guthrie can play in the middle. Nolan is far more effective in his SS role where he causes more menace. Please don’t play tweedle dum and tweedle dee upfront again against Man United.

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  37. Rumours in France saying we have bid £5 million for Cheikh M’Bengue, I dont think it is true like but…

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  41. Optomism boys!!

    I would have liked to have Ireland behind Shola, but if Shola isnt fit then I guess its Ranger and Mclovin through neccessity.

    I wonder how much of the ‘home team’ ethic and the need to be perceived to be the ones attacking will force his hand?

    I am hoping next season brings a change in formation but I think injuries etc will force Pards’ hand.

    Could he play something like

    Raylor – Barton – Tiote – Guthrie – Jonas

    ——————–Shola / Ranger

    I wouldnt mind this with maybe JOnas having a little bit more of a free role?

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  42. The guy from France would fit the clubs transfer profile perfectly. Only problem is that supporters would see him as a replacement for Enrique hence wouldn’t actually improve the squad.

    Or of course Enrique could stay too.

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  43. Agree Stu – Not seen you around much these days bud.

    I think it is fair to say we need at least 1 LB if Jose stays anyway, so I have no problems with us being linked to players at all

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  44. Thats me finished college for two weeks!

    Shame Ireland isnt gunna start but at least he’s an option on the bench which we never had against Villa.

    I still don’t know why we botherd even signing him on loan, what was the point for the sake of a few games by the looks of it. If Villa are going to sell him its going to cost quite a bit, I would rather we sign someone else with the money. If we want him on loan again surely they will want a clause for us to buy him.

    We signed him in January, it’s now April and he hasn’t even stepped foot on the pitch – good job its pay as you play. How many times has he actually played for Villa this season?

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  45. ireland is a good player only problem is he is a knob jockey of the highest order , but if he does a job will forgive the langer ( tats a cork slang for knob ) he just needs some games now. I wouldnt expect anything from utd game even its prob the shitest utd team tat i can remember

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  48. Aye toonsy, new he wasnt his type of player.

    Simpson should be a role model for Ranger, for changing his lifestyle around and getting his head down and start working.

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  49. I think Ranger will go off to a champ club next season and thrive. I think he will be great for us, as long as he gets his head out of his ****

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  52. Simpson wasn’t a Allardyce player because he didn’t want to be just knocking the ball up the pitch 60 yards every time he got it.

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  54. Hooters is on talksport and says to this day, it’s never been explained to him the reason why he was sacked.
    Ashley is callous, ruthless and a ****.

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  59. I see United For Newcastle have had another chat with the club and managed to catch up with Kevin Nolan.

    Newcastle: Loves the place to bits, in the middle of negotiating a new contract to stay here longer.
    Who Nolan would sign if he was manager: Connor Whickham & Matt Jarvis
    Liverpool: Would never sign for them as he loves it here too much. Doesn’t consider himself a Liverpool fan anymore.
    Shearer: Had too many preconceived ideas, mistake was bringing in Dowie.
    Best trainer: Coloccini – Nolan adores him.
    Barton: A lot of little jokes about Barton being the best midfielder in the world. “He’s a nutter, but a good nutter.”
    5-1 against Sunderland: Best day of his life (except his kids being born).

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