Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has played down suggestions that he had a touchline bust-up with Stephen Ireland on Sunday.

The midfielder appeared to swear at his manager during Villa's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United.

However, McLeish has said that the reason he took the player off at half-time was because he was carrying an injury.

"I never saw the F-off thing," he said. "I know he spoke back but at the same time players don't always like to hear their managers screaming at them from the touchline.

"I kick every ball with them and I am passionate and care. I would not be so petty as to take a player off for that. It is a trivial question. A ridiculous question.

"He had an ankle problem and couldn't close down. When Guthrie stepped up to put that cross in I thought it was too easy."

Villa host Manchester City in the league on Sunday.