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Stevens will be keen to show what he can do for Rovers. PA Archive/Press Association Images
Irish Abroad

Doncaster loan offers Stevens last chance to impress after admitting time at Villa is over

The Irish U21 international is out of contract at Villa Park in the summer.

FORMER SHAMROCK ROVERS defender Enda Stevens concedes he is now playing for his future in England after being shipped out on-loan by Aston Villa for the fourth time in two years.

Stevens, an Irish U21 international, has failed to make an impression during his time at Villa Park after securing a three-year contract with the Premier League club in August 2011.

He has made just seven appearances for the club after falling down the pecking order under Paul Lambert.

The 24-year-old has joined League One side Doncaster Rovers until December 8th and with his Villa contract set to expire at the end of the season, Stevens knows he needs to put himself in the shop window.

When asked by reporters whether his time at Villa is over, he replied: “Yes. It’s just football, it happens. You’ve just got to get on with it, do well and work hard.”

“It was good [being at Villa]. I’ve enjoyed myself, it’s a massive club. Paul Lambert gave me my debut so I was grateful for that, it’s just time for me to move on,” He told Doncaster’s official website.

Stevens had a short loan spell at the Keepmoat Stadium last season and after a brief stint with Northampton Town at the start of this campaign, the left-back admitted it was an easy decision to return to the South Yorkshire.

“It was easy to come back to Doncaster. I really enjoyed myself here last season. It was a no-brainer.

“The loan is for me, it’ll improve me and my football.”

After spending the first few months in the Villa reserve team, Stevens was drafted in to make his full debut against Manchester United in November 2012 due to injuries and suspensions.

Stevens spent two seasons at Tallaght after progressing through the ranks at UCD and then impressing for St Patrick’s Atheltic. He was part of the Hoops side that became the first Irish team to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League.

He’s expected to make his first appearance for Doncaster in Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United.

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