Stoke new boy Stephen Ireland admits his time at Aston Villa is all but over

Stephen Ireland admits his time at Aston Villa is as good as over after joining Stoke City on loan.

The attacking midfielder is now hoping to kick-start his career again at Stoke and he is confident he can recapture the form he showed at Manchester City which earmarked him as one of the best young players in the Premier League. "I have got so much to prove to myself and the footballing world," continued Ireland. "I am hungrier than ever to prove the doubters wrong and prove Mark Hughes and Stoke right in their decision to sign me, I can't wait for the games to start." Ireland, who is hoping to make his debut against former club Manchester City this weekend, claims the presence of his former boss at the Etihad, Mark Hughes, was a big factor in his decision to move to the Britannia Stadium. Ireland arguably enjoyed the best spell in his career under Hughes' stewardship and he believes the Welshman can get the best out of him again. "I really enjoyed working under him and his team at City and they got the best out of me," said Ireland. "I am hoping to recreate that and more for the faith they have shown in me. "He helped develop my game and had confidence in me which really helps a player, training was always enjoyable and varied. "He gets players wanting to play for him."