Mark Hughes convinces Stoke board to extend Stephen Ireland's contract

Stephen Ireland is set to sign a new contract with Stoke City, as he bids to recover from nearly 20 months of injury frustration.

Ireland has agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season and is targeting a return to the first-team for the FA Cup tie against Coventry on January 6. The former Manchester City midfielder's current contract expires this month but Mark Hughes, the manager, has persuaded the Stoke board to extend Ireland's career in the Potteries.

Ireland's deal is thought to be on reduced terms yet represents a significant show of loyalty from Hughes, also suggesting his position as manager is secure despite a torrid run of results.

Ireland has not played since May 2016 after suffering a double leg break in training and endured a number of niggling setbacks in his rehabilitation.

But the 31-year-old is understood to be stepping up his recovery and has an eye on the third-round game at the Ricoh Arena early next year. Confirmation of his new Stoke contract is expected next week.

Ireland produced arguably the best football of his career under Hughes at Manchester City, later joining Stoke from Aston Villa in 2013.