Given: Ireland approaching best form

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has praised team-mate Stephen Ireland and believes the midfielder is nearing his very best.

The 25-year-old has been a standout for Alex McLeish’s side over the past few weeks and Given is of the opinion Ireland is fast becoming one of the Premier League’s most exciting playmakers.

“I think Stephen has had a frustrating time but during the last few weeks you have seen the real Stephen Ireland,” Given told the Irish Examiner.

“I think during the win at Chelsea, in glimpses at Villa Park and again against Everton, he has shown that if we can get him on the ball he is very comfortable.”

“He can open defences with split passes. I think he is best in that free role he is occupying. He has the talent to see passes other players don’t.”

“His confidence has taken a lift, he wants to be on the ball more and is more bubbly around the place. That can only be good for the club.”

With his confidence now up, Given is hopeful Ireland can perform to the standards he reached before leaving Manchester City.

“Stephen was phenomenal at Manchester City,” Given said. “He was in the Premier League team of the season and everything.”

“The Villa fans haven’t seen that enough. But we know it is there and I have seen it first hand how good a player he can be.”

“He was the first name on the team sheet – and we had a lot of big players at Man City then as well. He was a great player for us and hopefully we can get that out of him at Villa.”

“I do believe in the last few weeks Stephen seems a bit more positive about everything and more confident in his own game which can only be good for us.”

“Personally I just think he wants a run in the team. It is tough to get that sharpness when you are not playing that much.”

“The gaffer has faith in him to play him more recently. He is doing it now with his performances and the gaffer is going to find it hard to leave him out because he is performing well for the team.”