Stephen Ireland is a midfielder, born on 22 August 1986 in County Rock, Ireland.
In 1994 Stephen joined the academy of Cobh Ramblers and started to perform for the U-11 team, where he stayed for several years before moving up the youth system ladder. It took Ireland seven years to reach the certain level he needed for further development.
English side Manchester City took an interest in the young midfielder in 2001 and offered him a place in their academy the same year. Stephen did not hesitate to accept the offer and became a trainee of the club almost immediately. Ireland was groomed in the youth system of ‘The Citizens’ during four years, which helped him to get ready for a full-scale professional start.
In the summer 2005, the club penned a senior contract with the footballer, which gave him an opportunity to develop at the qualitatively new level. The attacking style of the player earned him a place in the starting line-up rather soon, because that position was unoccupied. Stephen made 176 appearances and amassed 23 goals for Manchester City during five years.
In 2010 Ireland’s appearances became rarer, because the club signed more talented stars that beat off his competition for the place of a regular. Aston Villa made the capture of the midfielder one of its priorities, as the club thought the footballer could contribute to the team’s performance. In the summer 2010, Stephen sealed a deal with Aston Villa, where he featured in 34 matches and netted one goal during one season. In the summer 2011, the footballer was sent on loan to Newcastle United, where he managed to take part only in two games during one year.
In the season 2013/2014 Ireland played on loan at Stoke City and later signed a permanent deal with the Potters.
In 2005 Ireland made one appearance for the Republic of Ireland national U-21 team. From 2006 till 2007, he was capped six times and contributed four goals for the full national squad.
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Daily Telegraph informs Aston Villa playmaker Stephen... |
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