After it seemed personal terms would scupper the move, Stephen Ireland has switched from Aston Villa until Newcastle until the end of the season. The 24-year-old midfielder only joined Villa in the close season from Manchester City, but injury and loss of form meant he never impressed in the Midlands.
But Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes that this loan move will help Ireland rediscover his form of a few seasons ago.
"Stephen has shown over the past few seasons that he's a real top player so we're really pleased to have got him until the end of the season," Pardew told the official club website.
"As a creative midfielder he can create chances for others and score goals himself, and we think he can be a big factor for us in the second part of this season.
"I think Stephen [Ireland] feels he can deliver more than he's shown at Villa so far, so he's got a point to prove and I believe we can reap the benefits of that."
