Midfielder looks forward to getting career back on track.
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New Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland is hoping that being reunited with former boss Mark Hughes will help him to get his career back on track, Sky Sports reports.
The pair had previously worked together at Manchester City and Ireland spoke of his delight at being able to work with the Welshman once again having secured a season long loan with the Potters from Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old made just 57 appearances for the Villa Park outfit since signing on in 2010 as part of the deal that took James Milner in the opposite direction, though he had not featured for the side since January.
Ireland now hopes to recapture some of that form he displayed under Hughes the first time around, but knows that he must first prove he is worthy of a place in the side first.
“I had a great relationship with Mark at Manchester City and I was desperate to work with him and his staff again,” he said.
“Mark knows how I play and how to get the best out of me.
“I just want to get a good run of games, which is something I haven’t had for a while.
“I do feel as though I’ve something to prove and I’m coming here to get myself back playing.
“There are still lots of things I want to achieve. I’ve set myself a lot of goals and want to hit the ground running. I turned 27 last week and to me it’s vital I’m playing on a regular basis.
“I’m so grateful to Stoke for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into training and building my career back up again.”