Ireland: "I didn't come here just to get treatment - I came here to play."

Stephen Ireland is edging ever closer to making his first-team debut for Newcastle, but the midfielder is refusing to put a definitive timescale upon his return.

Ireland signed from Aston Villa in a loan deal until the end of the season on transfer deadline day, but injury has meant that he has been unable to fully get involved in the first-team squad and do the things that footballers do, like train and play football obviously.

The 24-year-old has been making progress on his return to fitness though and seems to believe that he is not a million miles away from returning to full training, which kind of ties in with what I said in the brief injury update I wrote a couple of days ago.

Talking to the official club website, Ireland had this to say:

"We thought it would be a couple of weeks, but I went running outside today (Thursday) at a decent level and decent pace, and I reckon it could be by the end of next week hopefully. I've just got to do a few more sessions and then see how far I can push it. If it goes well then I could be back soon."

Ireland has a lot to prove at Newcastle, not only to fans who are waiting to see if he actually has the hunger for the game, but also for Ireland himself who will no doubt be looking to regain his confidence and form. If he can do that at Newcastle and make an impact in the latter stage of the season then it will quite obviously help us out.

He could be in training by the end of next week, but when pushed about a potential date to make his debut for the first team, Ireland was understandably non-committal and was not willing to name a specific game. He continued:

"I haven't got any specific game in mind. I've just got to take a day at a time really, because one day it could feel amazing and then the next day really bad. It's quite strange, but I have to see how I feel on a day to day basis. I just need to get back on the field now. I'm frustrated with the injury I've got at the moment.

Ireland then spoke of his frustration about not being able to get involved properly:

"After two weeks at a club you want to be getting involved in the playing and training, but I'm not far away. I didn't come here just to get treatment - I came here to play. Thankfully things are getting right now and I'm almost there."

That last little bit about coming here to play is what I want to see. It shows me that Ireland has the right approach and will fit in with this team. He may be branded a 'Flash Harry' for his extravagant lifestyle, over the top house with that awful pink room, and fleet of cars, but if he is prepared to knuckle down and give his all then people will get behind him.

I think he'll be a cracking player for us. I think he lost his way at Aston Villa a little bit and never really wanted to leave Manchester City. That move sent him into a bit of a sulk and things have spiralled from there. Perhaps now though he has realised that he isn't at Manchester City any more and needs to prove himself outside of the comfort zone that was the club he grew up with?

Whatever! I just can't wait to see him action for Newcastle!