Tuesday 10 February 2015 17:27, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes admits they will miss injured “game changer" Stephen Ireland when they face Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday night.
Ireland misses out on the opportunity to face his former club after injuring his hamstring in the closing stages of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle.
The problem will sideline Ireland out for around two weeks and he will join a growing injury list, including Marc Wilson, who picked up a groin strain at St James’ Park.
Captain Ryan Shawcross, Erik Pieters, Bojan Krkic and Peter Odemwingie are also out of contention to leave Hughes with selection problems as he waits on the progress of Marko Arnautovic, who missed the Newcastle clash with an ankle injury.
"It's a blow for him as well as the team,” Hughes said of Ireland’s injury. "He'd come in and made an impact, which tempered the loss of Bojan because there was a bit of doom and gloom, obviously.
"Unfortunately injuries have been the story of his season because he was our best performer in pre-season and he looked like he was going to start very strong.
"He was playing well, but unfortunately went out through injury, and then he came back in, did okay, but was then out again.
"It's a shame for him because he has that vision and creativity you need at Premier League level. You need game-changers and players who will make a difference and Stephen is one of those."
Hughes knows Ireland will be particularly disappointed not to be playing against former club Manchester City.
"You always want to do well against your former club, whatever level you're at,” added Hughes. "You want to show everyone there is life still in you and you are doing well at other places.
"I was certainly like that as a player, and Stephen will be no different. It's disappointing he's out, but he will be back in a couple of weeks. It's nothing too serious."
