Soccer:Stephen Ireland has yet to feature for Newcastle United since his loan move from ASton Villa in January but has insisted he wants to extend his stay at the club beyond the end of the season.

Injury has prevented Ireland from kicking a ball for the Magpies as yet, but manager Alan Pardew hinted last month a long-term contract could be agreed upon.

The 24-year-old is looking for some stability and is hopeful of remaining on Tyneside, either on a permanent arrangement or a new loan deal.

"This is a good place for me to settle in the next few months, and who knows what could happen in the summertime," he told the Chronicle. "It could turn out to be permanent. We don't know, or it could turn into a loan again. We will see what happens in the next two months."

Ireland is fit and available for selection and could be given a first opportunity to impress Pardew when Newcastle face Manchester United next Tuesday. He has not played since turning out for Villa in December, having fallen down the pecking order under Gerard Houllier.

"It has been an absolute nightmare - it feels like I have not kicked a ball for so long," he said. "I have not played competitively for so long and it has been difficult. When the new manager came in at Villa, I was left out of eight squads in a row - and that hurts.

"The lads were going away to hotels and playing games, and I felt really isolated at home."