Aston Villa No2 Gary McAllister says Stephen Ireland can still have a future at Villa Park.
The midfielder is out for the season with injury suffered on-loan at Newcastle United.
McAllister, who is continuing to deputise while manager Gerard Houllier recovers from a heart problem, said: "Stephen is an Aston Villa player. He's our responsibility.
"When he reports back, he needs to be assessed by the medical people here and then be set a programme to get fit.
"He has had all these problems for a long time now."
When asked if Ireland will still be at Villa next season, McAllister said: "He went on loan, it's not worked.
"He's had problems up at Newcastle as well, a number of injuries as well, groin, hamstring, ankle, he's not had much luck.
"There is no doubt he is a talented player but he's got to get fit before we see the real Stephen Ireland."
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