Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish to help revive the career of midfielder Stephen Ireland.
Ireland has struggled since last summer's arrival from Manchester City, including a disappointing spell on-loan with Newcastle United.
Big Eck said: "He has a lot to offer. He is a very important member of the squad.
"A couple of years ago he was verging on world class and it's about him recapturing that form.
"We will try our best. We are not about to give up on big investments like Stevie."
