Ireland signs new deal

Stoke playmaker Stephen Ireland has
signed a new three-year contract at the
Britannia Stadium.
The Republic of Ireland international has
rebuilt his career with the Potters under
manager Mark Hughes and is now
committed to the club until the summer of
2017.
The 27-year-old told the Stoke website:
"It's important for every player to feel
wanted and to be a part of a family and to
be honest I haven't had that for a long,
long time.
"Thankfully I have felt that warmth here at
Stoke and truth be told I couldn't really be
in a better place than I am at the moment.
"For that, I have to thank the gaffer
immensely because he is the main reason
why I came here in the first instance, and
of course, he is a big factor in why I am
delighted to agree this new deal now.
"I have also been able to build a good
relationship with the supporters too, and
that is very warming to me, because it has
been a long time since I have felt loved at
a football club."
He added: "I wouldn't have been able to
enjoy my football again like I have done if
the manager hadn't brought me here in
the first place, so of course, I am incredibly
grateful to him and the club for doing
that."
Ireland was considered one of the hottest
properties in the Premier League during
his early career at Manchester City but a
subsequent move to Aston Villa saw his
career take a nosedive.
An unsuccessful loan to Newcastle was
followed by another temporary stay at
Stoke, who made the switch permanent in
January 2014.