Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew could make a bid to land Stephen Ireland on a permanent basis.
The 24-year-old joined the Magpies on loan from Aston Villa in January but it yet to make an appearance for the North East outfit having been sidelined with a thigh injury.
However, Pardew is confident Ireland will make an impact and, with a return to Villa unlikely following the midfielder’s recent comments, the Toon boss admits the Irishman could earn a permanent move to St James’ Park.
Pardew said: “He's still got time to impress me because I still think there is a chance of something permanent here for Stephen.
“Things at Villa aren't going too well. I want to have a good look at him before he goes back.
“We haven't got anything in place in terms of a deal, there wasn't time.
“He is under a little bit of pressure because there aren't many games left, but when you've got a player of Stephen's character, I don't think that is a bad thing.
“He is a player who has played on a big stage in the past, it's not like he is coming from a team which isn't high profile.”