Despite not yet making an appearance for Newcastle United, Stephen Ireland's loan deal could still turn into a permanent contract says manager Alan Pardew.
The 24-year old joined the Magpies from Aston Villa in January for the remainder of the season but has been kept on the sidelines with knee and thigh problems.
However, Pardew says this is a good time for the ex-Manchester City man to show a bit and potentially find himself at St James' Park on more than a temporary basis.
"He's still got time to impress me because I still think there is a chance of something permanent here for Stephen," said Pardew. "Things at Villa aren't going too well. I want to have a good look at him before he goes back.
"He is under a little bit of pressure because there aren't many games left, but when you've got a player of Stephen's character, I don't think that is a bad thing. He is a player who has played on a big stage in the past, it's not like he is coming from a team which isn't high profile.
"Manchester City [where Ireland played before joining Villa] have been very high profile. There were big players arriving but he was their best player. I think he can handle the big stage here.
"He's a really nice guy, he's fitted in well. He needs our full attention. You can't let him drift. He needs to know he is important and he could be here. If he doesn't feel important he doesn't play his best."
