STOKE HAVE HANDED Stephen Ireland a short-term contract as the midfielder continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg he sustained in training last year.
The six-time capped Ireland international missed the whole of last season after suffering the serious injury in April 2016, but Stoke have given him the opportunity to return to full fitness with a six-month deal.
Ireland’s existing contract at the Britannia Stadium expired yesterday and Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes explained that the club felt it was right to offer him support as he worked his way back.
“Stephen has been forced to put his career on hold after suffering a very serious injury in training through no fault of his own,” Scholes said.
“He’s working incredibly hard to get himself back to full fitness and we felt that it was only right to offer him a short-term contract to give him peace of mind while he continues with that process.
“Stephen is grateful for the support we have shown him and we look forward to hopefully seeing him pull on a Stoke City shirt again in the near future.”
Ireland has been with Stoke since 2013, when he joined on an initial loan deal from Aston Villa before completely a permanent move during the January 2014 transfer window.
The Cork native has made 60 appearances for the Potters.
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