It doesn't look likely that Stephen Ireland will be wearing the green and white of Celtic anytime soon as manager Neil Lennon ruled out signing the Irish international on loan in January.
Ireland only arrived at Aston Villa from Manchester City during the summer but has failed to nail down a regular place in the side, "We are looking at areas where we can improve the squad but I wouldn't say he [Ireland] is a candidate or anything like that."
Ireland burst onto the scene in 2005 starting 24 games for Manchester City in the Premier League. He flourished in 2008-09 when he scored 13 in goals in 50 appearances and won City's player of the year. Up until last season, the 24 year old was a constant in City's lineup but the arrival of Roberto Mancini signaled the end for his Manchester City career as he was shipped out to Villa Park.
Ireland's career has been marred with controversy and questions over his attitude which has seemingly cost him a place in Gerrard Houllier's future plans with Aston Villa. Undoubtedly such a talented player would be a great addition to the Scottish league but don't expect that to happen anytime soon.
Lennon insisted that he is not interested in signing Ireland, an energetic midfielder, instead indicating his side's need to add defenders before the end of the January transfer window, "Defence? It is an area we are trying to improve on since the start of the season. We couldn't do it in August and again and we will go back to that, hopefully, in January."
Hamilton v Celtic match postponed.
Celtic's away game against Hamilton has been postponed today after the pitch at New Douglas Park failed an inspection. A new date has not yet been announced for the fixture.
Celtic hope to return to action with their next scheduled game on Tuesday 21st December at home to Kilmarnock. That game is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm weather permitting.
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