Hughes praises Ireland

Mark Hughes heaped praise on Stephen Ireland following Stoke’s sensational win over Chelsea on Saturday.

“He is a good player, that is the top and bottom of it,” said Hughes. “There is never any doubt about Stephen’s ability. In the past, for whatever reasons, maybe managers have seen different things and maybe felt he was the wrong player for their club or their team, but every time I worked with Stephen he has been an outstanding talent.

“He’s been a Premier League player a long time and an accomplished one. He lost his way for a couple of years and it wasn’t his fault in my view. It wasn’t a question of attitude or ability it was just circumstances. We’re delighted he’s back showing what a good player he is.”