Stephen Ireland has been rewarded for his professionalism and good performances this season at Stoke by signing a new 3 year deal with the club.

The former Ireland midfielder who has previously played with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle has played 25 times for Stoke this season chipping in with three goals including one against Chelsea in a 3-2 win last December.

Ireland seems settled at the club so could that mean an International return? I guess we’ll have to wait to find out.

The Cobh man spoke to the Stoke City website about his new deal.

"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," the Republic of Ireland international revealed.

"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."