Hughes: Stoke ‘stability’ has saved Ireland’s career

Mark Hughes believes Stoke have provided Stephen Ireland with the “stability” in his life to get his career back on track.

Ireland, initially joined the Potters on loan from Villa but has now signed a long-term deal after making the switch permanent in January.

Cobh man Ireland has rediscovered his form and is close to agreeing to an international recall, having been in self-imposed exile since the infamous ‘Grannygate’ affair.

Hughes, who got the best out of the midfielder during their time together at Manchester City, believes the 27-year-old can become a key player for Stoke in the coming years.

“I have always felt that Stephen needs stability in his life and he is going to get that here now,” he said. “He has a good structure around him and he has good people working with him on a daily basis.

“There is no doubt that he is a real outstanding talent, and there is no reason why he can’t enjoy the best years of his career here with us.

“I am delighted to have been able to tie him down to a long-term deal.”

The acquisition of Ireland is one of several deals Hughes has done over the past few months which he believes stand Stoke in good stead.

“We have added a bit more quality in the final third this season,” he said. “Marko [Arnautovic] has been superb for us, as was Oussama [Assaidi] too until he picked up his injury.

“Obviously Peter Odemwingie has made an impact in the short time he has been here as well.

“You have to give a lot of credit to the lads that I inherited because they have really impressed me with their attitudes and work ethic, and of course, their obvious qualities too.”

Hughes has revealed he remains in the hunt to sign Ivica Olic.

The 34-year-old striker remains top of the wish list with his contract expiring at Wolfsburg, and Hughes insisted a deal could still happen despite reports he was set to remain in Germany.

“Ivica Olic is a player we like and one we are pursuing,” Hughes said.

Meanwhile, former Potters boss Tony Pulis has revealed Alex Ferguson was a key influence in his decision to take on the Crystal Palace job at a time when he had considerable doubts about it himself.

When Pulis was confirmed on November 23 as the successor to Ian Holloway, things were not looking promising for the Eagles, who were bottom of the Premier League with four points from their opening 11 games of the campaign.

Now, with four more fixtures remaining, their survival appears secure after Wednesday’s 3-2 win at Everton — their fourth victory in a row — took them to 11th place and 40 points, 10 clear of the relegation zone.

Asked if he had had doubts about becoming Palace boss, Pulis said after the Goodison Park triumph: “Yes — it was difficult.

“I spoke to Steve [Parish, the Palace co-chairman] about four or five times.

“I met him the one time and I didn’t feel as though it was right. Then Steve wanted to have a chat again. He came down to Bournemouth and we had a good chat about it, and he convinced me that it was a challenge.

“Looking at it, everyone I had spoken to had said it was a difficult one.

“Alex Ferguson and Peter Coates, my old chairman [at Stoke], were the only two who said to take it. And they were two good judges. The rest were very negative towards it.

“I hadn’t seen Palace play and what they had or didn’t have. But I enjoy a challenge.

“It’s in my nature to stand up and try to march people forward and we’ve done that.”