GettyImagesStephen Ireland is having to start again with Villa

When Stephen Ireland was named Player of the Year by Aston Villa's last season, the cynics were quick to suggest the award had been bestowed with more than a hint of sarcasm attached. Having played a full 90 minutes in just eleven Premier League games when he was crowned as Villa's star man of the term, the suspicion was that some supporters had voted for the Irishman in a bid to highlight the lack of credible candidates for the award amid what had been a desperately disappointing season for the Midlands giants.

Even Ireland was forced to concede he was surprised to be nominated for an accolade normally reserved for players who have shown sparkling form over many a long month, yet he is emerging as a strong contender to hang onto his title as Villa's star man after an impressive start to the season under the watch of new boss Paul Lambert.

The now departed Villa manager's Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish were reluctant to put their faith in Ireland's talents, but he suggests the arrival of Paul Lambert has changed the atmosphere at Villa Park for the better.

"It's only now I'm pretty much getting a fair crack at things at Villa," begins Ireland, who turned in another impressive display in Saturday's 3-2 defeat against Manchester United. "It shouldn't have taken me three seasons to get into this position, but I'm getting a consistent run and it's my shirt to lose. I never had any problems with Alex McLeish, I like the guy, and I would be happy to work with him in the future. As it is, the new man came in last summer and from the first day till now it's been brilliant. He's done a really good job and is a really hands on manager.

"He's honest, straight, upfront and keeping everybody really hungry. You've got to work hard to get in the team. Everyone's chasing those places, but he's kept everyone involved. You can see a good future ahead for the players he has brought in and it is clear that the supporters are happier this season. The atmosphere hasn't been great for a while, but I feel they're appreciating the way we're going about things. They're excited about the way we're playing. And it helps an awful lot to have the fans behind you.

"We're being encouraged to play football, we're winning or losing in style. Probably not good to lose, of course, but at least we're having a go, playing attractive football and we are only a few minor details away from a good side."

Injuries and dips in form have stalled Ireland's career in recent years, with his star apparently permanently waning after he shot to prominence as the focal point of the Manchester City team at the start of their rise up the Premier League. Back in the day, he was the darling of the City fans before their club was transformed by the Arabian millions that have propelled them into the stratosphere, yet it seems as if the sands of time have brought maturity to a player who is relishing his role as an experienced member of a youthful Villa line-up.

The role handed to Ireland in Lambert's first few weeks as Villa boss has been pivotal, with a host of fresh faced youthful performers needing the influence of experienced players as they look to adapt to life in the Premier League.

"I like it when homegrown lads come through, especially if they deserve it and work hard to be where they are," states Ireland, who made a huge impression after breaking through the ranks at Manchester City in his formative years. "That was me at City now so long ago, learning from players like Richard Dunne, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman.

"If a guy has to work really hard to get to where he is it's a nicer story to see someone come on and make their debut at a young age. Good management of the youth teams is reaping rewards at Villa and lads like Mark Albrighton, Ciaran Clark, Barry Bannan have all come through the academy and they're all really good players with long careers in the game. That is really important for the future of the club."

Rarely a footballer who has followed convention, Ireland relaxes away from the game by practicing a host of martial arts, with his fitness obsession being aided by his penchant for the odd kung-fu kick and judo throw.

"I do a couple of martial arts sessions a week and it's something I love doing," he says of his high-energy hobby. "I feel it helps me as a player, puts fire in the belly. It's a different sort of work out, rather than running, so it's a good hobby. I've got a lot of time on my hands. Some people play golf, I choose the martial arts. I do pretty much every area of combat you can think of. It comes easy enough to me as I'm naturally quite fit. I work hard in the gym. I enjoy it, but it's really important if you want to have a long career. I'd love to be playing for the next ten years."

Now 26, the midfielder whose reputation for being something of a troubled soul fuelled that tag when he opted to terminate his international career back in 2007, yet he appears to be maturing on and off the pitch. Few would have picked Ireland to emerge as a role model for youngsters in the days when he was capturing headlines for all the wrong reasons, but stability on and off the field finally seems to have tamed this gifted player. Once hailed as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, Stephen Ireland has embarked on a mission to scale those heights all over again.

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