Stephen Ireland

[JUAN PABLO]

I think he is improving all the time . Was getting in great positions yesterday and Weimann should have put in him first half . He is starting to really settle and being the experience head we need him in the team . The way he celebrates the goals as improved too

[Dante Lavelli]

We're going to be in the awkward situation soon where we either need to offer him a new contract or sell him.  Will it be this be his third season here of presumably a four year contract?

It's a tough call for Lambert as he clearly has talent but he's probably on big money compared to most of the more recent signings.

[Risso]

I thought he was excellent yesterday, you can tell that when he's bothered, the lad is class.

[tomd2103]

I thought he was excellent yesterday, you can tell that when he's bothered, the lad is class.

And there lies the problem Riss.  Until he remains injury free and puts a run of good games together, then I think doubts will remain.  His high wages also mean that questions will always be asked if he is value for the money he picks up.

I also can't really understand how a top flight professional footballer can only last 60 minutes in a game.     

[PaulWinch again]

He was excellent yesterday and our midfield three until January should certainly be the three that started yesterday.

[silhillvilla]

I think he tires as he closes down so much.He didn't give Scholes a minutes peace in the first half

Can't agree with that, Scholes time and time again was given so much time and space to spray the ball about.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

He's the most talented player at the club, without doubt. If PL can work with him, he will be a great asset to us. His current position seems to suit him and us.

[frank black]

I would bet everything, if we give him a new contract he will play half arsed again.

Classic example of a player realising his gravy train is pulling into the station.

[Mister E]

I personally struggle with Ireland as an individual, but yesterday I thought he finally started to make a significant contribution. He was really 'up' for it and did really well.
He now needs to check in with a few goals.

And I too thought that Scholes was given far too much space in the first half, even if it ultimately didn't count for anything.

[silhillvilla]

I would bet everything, if we give him a new contract he will play half arsed

Absolutely, we should be working him out of the club tbh.

[Rancid custard]

The way I look at it, we've got too many for the middle and something's got to give. Bannan, Delph, Holman, KEA, Westwood, hopefully Gardner and one day Petrov. I'd get rid of, high wages, too inconsistent.

[Big Dick Edwards]

Ireland is a classy player. I just wish he'd get on the scoresheet every now and then like he did on a regular basis for Manchester City.

[Hoppo]

I hate the bloke with a passion everything i despise in the modern footballer but i admit yesterday he wanted the ball and put through some decent balls. The way Mr Lambert can pick a bargain up i await January with optimism.

[levico]

I think he is well worth his place on current form. We are better with him on the pitch. I believe that we probably wouldn't have lost at Southampton if he hadn't got injured and missed the second half.

[paulcomben]

Quit worrying. He is required to create some vital goals and then get moved on by PL in the summer, to be replaced by somebody (lower league or foreign - and cheap) as good but hard- working. What's in that for Ireland? Think Sidwell or Downing. Riches in the FAPL without any need to work.