I dont see how that would replace Milner immediately??
You don't see how replacing an attacking midfielder with an attacking midfielder would replace Milner? Granted, in some ways Milner would be better but in others Ireland is better. If you're looking for a clone you'll be looking a while. For me, it is a satisfactory replacement from an ability POV.
I would say that James Milner is far better than Stephen Ireland in far more areas of the game.
I really dont see what Stephen Ireland would offer that James Milner wouldn't?
28 million worth of transfer fee?