Ireland turning into Superman again, says Bannan

Barry Bannan believes Stephen Ireland is also on the verge of finally becoming a star midfielder for Aston Villa.

Scottish creative midfielder Bannan's displays have been a welcome boost for new Villa boss Alex McLeish.

Bannan, 21, scored his first Premier League goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw at QPR after coming through the ranks.

Ireland, 25, signed from Man City in August 2010, started his first league game for Villa since December at Loftus Road.

Ireland was farmed out on loan by McLeish's predecessor Gerard Houllier to Newcastle last term.

But Bannan believes mercurial Ireland can rebuild his career at Villa this season like fellow former outcast Stephen Warnock.

Bannan said: "There are a few lads who have not played for a while and are a bit low in confidence.

"But against QPR I thought Stephen Ireland was terrific.

"Everyone else who has come back after not playing many games did well and we are now looking to them to kick on.

"We started to play some great football after we got a bit of confidence in the second half.

"And hopefully we will show against Wigan this weekend we can do it for the 90 minutes."