Stokes Ireland praises boss Hughes: He gets the best out of me

Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland has expressed his gratitude to manager Mark Hughes for saving his career.

The 27-year old is back to his best with the Potters after a few years in the football wilderness and puts it down to the man-management skills of the former Manchester United star.

"It's everything, he's a good man manager, he's fair, he speaks to you - and the training is always electric, said the former Manchester City man who joined Stoke permanently from Aston Villa in January following an initial loan spell.

"It's easy for a player to give everything for him.

"I seem to play better for him and he helps me and gets the best out of me, it's one those relationships that seems to work. I want to repay him as much as I can.

"I would've done anything to get the chance to come here. I'm really grateful that I have, I'm 27 and I still have a lot to offer.

"I have played in the Premier League a long time and there's so much more I want to do in football.

"I'm starting to find my feet and get my instincts back, my sharpness back, I'm getting the hunger and the passion back too.

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