Villa star fit for run in

Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland insists he is fit for the final two games of the season after missing the draw with West Brom.

Ireland, who was named the Supporters' Player of the Year on Monday, was an unused substitute in the draw with the Baggies but the 25-year-old insists he is now free from injury and ready to help Villa in their survival push. Villa are three points clear of the drop zone ahead of their finals fixtures against Spurs (h) and Norwich (a) and Ireland is eager to help his side retain their Premier League status. He told the club's official website: "I've been carrying a hip problem for three or four weeks now and was playing through it. "But last week I was suffering with the hip and had a bit of a sore hamstring so I had two injuries. "They said with two games coming so quickly they said it was best that I sit out one of them so I was on the bench at West Brom. "I'm back now, I'm fit and ready to go. "It is frustrating but I've been carrying it for three or four games and not playing one hundred per cent fit. "I was just doing my best for the team. But there came a point where I just had to miss a game, and with them coming Tuesday-Saturday there wasn't enough time to get me ready and thought it was better if I was a substitute."