Houllier to let Ireland and Dunne leave Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has opened the door for both Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne to leave the club in January.

Houllier has endured a frustrating time at Villa Park since replacing Martin O’Neill as manager of the club earlier in the season and has decided to stamp his authority by replacing members of his squad that are clearly not happy in the midlands and are seen as disruptive influences among the squad.

Houllier is fed up with the ‘whinging and moaning’ from some of his squad of late and has said that ‘those who are not happy’ will leave the club next month.

Ireland and Dunne certainly fall into that category, with the former being frozen out of the first team picture since Houllier’s arrival and Dunne reportedly involved in a blazing row with the former Liverpool manager in recent weeks.

Speaking about Ireland, Houllier said: "He said he wanted to go in January to his agent. I’m not convinced, not so sure about that,” but later admitted “Once a player wants to go, he goes.”

Ireland has been linked with moves to various clubs, including Celtic and Liverpool in recent weeks, while although not having his best season, Dunne’s reputation as one of the top defenders in the Premier League will have clubs queuing for his signature should he leave Villa Park.