Stephen Ireland a 'Superman' for Villa

'Superman' Stephen Ireland today vowed he can be Villa's new hero after finally completing his move from Manchester City.

Ireland has signed a four-year contract as part of the £26m deal - worth £18m cash plus Ireland - taking James Milner to City, who have agreed a five-year deal with the England international.

The Cobh-born ace will not be available for tonight's Europa League play-off against Rapid Vienna, but could make his debut against Newcastle on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, nicknamed after the super-hero, can't wait to get started and has refused to rule out the infamous blue and red shorts he once revealed after scoring against Sunderland making a reappearance.

He said: "If the right occasion comes the fans can have something to smile about as well!

"But for me, my number one target is to work hard for my team-mates, show them what I can bring to the table, show them they can rely on me. I'm going to work hard for them."

"When I get my chance to get on the ball, hopefully I'll shine.

"I am really excited."

The midfielder, City's Player of the Season the year before last, fell out of favour under boss Roberto Mancini, making just 16 league starts last term.

He added: "I want to get back to playing the way I can - I haven't played 90 minutes in nearly eight or nine months, which isn't normal really for me.

"I've kind of forgotten the feeling what it is like to come off after a game feeling tired, winning or losing."

Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald added: "It is sad to see James go but it is a great boost for the club that Stephen is joining.

"Stephen is a very gifted, inventive player and he links up play probably more than James in many ways."

Milner checked into Eastlands believes he can lift the Premier League title after signing for City.

He said: "It didn't take too much selling by the boss when you see the players who are already here and the plans for the club.

"The last thing he said to me was 'be ready for the next game' and then he said "be ready to win the Premier League."

"That's my ultimate aim - that's what I want to do and why I'm here. There's a lot of competition to get there, it's where we all want to be. I'm ambitious and I want to win trophies here.

"I believe this is a great place to do that and I believe we will do it.

"Hopefully, sooner rather than later."