Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland is confident getting along with new manager Paul Lambert.
Ireland arrived at Stoke in 2013 having been part of an infamous 'bomb squad' of senior men at Aston Villa when Lambert was manager – big earners also including Shay Given, Darren Bent and Charles N'Zogbia who were ostracised from the first team.
“I honestly don't really know why it happened," said the midfielder, who is hoping to keep his starting place as Stoke take on Huddersfield at home on Saturday.
“I know at the time it was a bit messy and I found myself not being much around the team – but that was a long time ago and we've all moved on. Everybody has learned their own lessons.
“I don't think there are any grudges felt from any party and I'll just apply myself as honestly as I can every day, like I would for any manager here. If I get the chance to play I will give everything I can to impress him."