One of Stephen Ireland's first targets with Aston Villa is to simply get back to playing regular football. The former Republic of Ireland international completed his switch to Villa Park from Manchester City on Wednesday afternoon as part of the £24million deal which saw James Milner head in the opposite direction.
Attacking midfielder Ireland, who has signed a four-year deal, was named City's Player of the Year in 2008/09 before falling out of favour with Mark Hughes and then Roberto Mancini.
"I have plenty of personal ambitions," he told the club's official website. "I want to get back to playing the way I can - I haven't played 90 minutes in nearly eight or nine months, which isn't normal really for me.
"I've kind of forgotten the feeling what it is like to come off after a game feeling tired, winning or losing. I'm not used to sitting out for so long.
"So for me, I want to get back to playing at the top of my game and I want to work hard for my team-mates.
"I want to see if my team-mates and myself can push on and achieve something massive this season."
Ireland, who could make his debut against Newcastle on Sunday, added: "Hopefully I can come here and build on that and help Aston Villa push on to better targets and reach higher goals. Hopefully I can be of benefit to the team.
"I think we have got a good bunch of young lads here who can go on and achieve something for themselves and for the club as well. We've got a very good squad.
"For me, my number one target is to work hard for my team-mates, show them what I can bring to the table, show them they can rely on me and that I am going to work hard for them week in, week out.
"I am looking forward to building up a relationship with the fans and my new team-mates. It is exciting for me to have a new challenge, move here and get settled."
