Sunday 16 August 2015 15:30, UK
Mark Hughes has heaped praise on Stephen Ireland for the impact he made after helping Stoke claim a point at Tottenham on Saturday.
The midfielder has made almost half of his appearances for City from the bench after joining them at the start of last year.
Once again, he climbed off the bench at White Hart Lane and provided the cross for Mame Biram Diouf’s leveller that secured a 2-2 draw.
Manager Hughes knows it is frustrating for Ireland to be overlooked for a place in the starting line-up so often.
But he insists the former Aston Villa and Manchester City player, 28, is an important part of his squad and said: “Stephen knows how highly I value him.
“I probably don't show it as much as I should do in giving him appearances but I have discussions with him on a number of occasions because I feel I disappoint him too often for the talent he has.
“He's a very, very talented player. If he can lift his head he'll play intelligent balls into key areas of the field so I was delighted with what he produced at the end.”
