Transfer Centre

Mark Hughes hopes to extend Stephen Ireland's contract

By Sam Hughes, Reporter | 16 March 2014

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes admits that he would like Stephen Ireland to sign a new deal when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has revealed that he is hoping Stephen Ireland will extend his contract at the club come the end of the season.

The midfielder joined the Potters on a season-long loan deal last summer, before making the deal permanent in the January transfer window.

The former Manchester City man's contract runs until the end of the season, and Hughes has admitted that he would like the 27-yeaar-old to stay.

When asked if he wants Ireland to sign a new deal, he told reporters: "I hope so, that's our intention, it's something that both parties want. Today showed what he can bring, we're trying to get it done. I'm sure we will do.

"I think Stephen was a victim of circumstance. He went to Aston Villa and it didn't quite work out. A lot of the time it wasn't as a consequence of what Stephen had done, the club policy was changing.

"In terms of ability it has always been there and will always be there. I think now he's at a place where he knows he's appreciated."

Ireland has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Stoke this season, scoring three goals in the process.