Paul Lambert believes that he can get the best out of Stephen Ireland.
The midfielder cost Aston Villa £8m when he was included in the deal that took James Millner to Manchester City two years ago.
Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish struggled to get the best out of the midfielder but after a couple of weeks working together in pre-season Lambert feels that Ireland can at last deliver on the potential he showed at Manchester City.
“He’s a real talent, there’s no doubt about that,” Lambert admitted. “It shows when he plays because there is a lot of creativity there, just like Charles (N’Zogbia). They are both really talented footballers.
“We will try to get the best out of them because they are very very clever footballers, we‘ve got to get him in positions where he can hurt teams.
“I’ve got a fair idea of what I want to do with it. From the time I have been at the club I’ve not had any problem with Stephen, or Charles whatsoever.”
Meanwhile Villa have announced that Stan Petrov’s leukaemia is in remission.
A club statement read: “It is with great delight that the club can confirm on behalf of our long-standing captain, Stiliyan Petrov, that Stan’s acute leukaemia is in remission.
“Stan would like to take this opportunity to express his deep gratitude to the medical staff who have looked after him so well since his condition was diagnosed just over four months ago.
“He also wishes to place on record again his profound sense of appreciation for the incredible outpouring of love and support he has received from Villa fans, his team-mates and colleagues at the club, as well as football fans and many more people around the world during this period.”
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