Aston Villa No2 Gary McAllister insists Stephen Ireland can have a future at the club, despite a disparaging interview published earlier this year.
After returning from his loan at Newcastle United, Ireland must repair his relationship with the claret and blue faithful after supposedly being misquoted when describing the city of Birmingham as "c***" in an interview.
"He may have to change the route into Bodymoor, with blacked-out windows!" joked McAllister.
"No. I am sure he was misquoted. He is our player. He went up to Newcastle. It hasn't worked. He has had problems at Newcastle as well.
"He has had a number of injuries - groin, hamstring and ankle - he hasn't had much luck.
"He is no doubt a talented player but he has to get fit before we see the real Stephen Ireland."
Click here for the No1 coverage of all the gossip and transfer news around Aston Villa.