Considering that he only played the full 90 minutes on 11 occasions in the Premier League for Aston Villa this season, the former Irish international was a curious choice for the club honour, which even he admits.
“My aim once I got in the side was to have more assists and more goals but that changed with every game because I was playing somewhere different,” said Ireland of the award, which many Villa fans believe should have went to goalkeeper Shay Given.
“I did well when we won at Chelsea playing off the front man in my favourite position, and I thought I would kick on. But since then I’ve been left wing, right wing and when Robbie Keane came in, I was in another position again.
“I had no complaints because you take it as it comes and do what the manager wants, but I have had to be more disciplined and couldn’t get near the edge of the box for a shot.
“So with that I’m so grateful the fans selected me. I didn’t build up much of a relationship with them last season and I had that in my mind at the start of this one. I wanted to do better.
“Next year I’d absolutely expect even more of myself. I feel relaxed and feel I am getting back to my best. I just want it to continue.”
One man who had no problem with Ireland winning the award was Villa boss Alex McLeish, who told the official club website: “Stevie became pretty popular with the fans with some good performances.”
