Bolton Wanderers have snapped up Stephen Ireland on a free transfer, as confirmed by their official club website yesterday.
The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a short-term contract with the Championship side.
Ireland, who has made six caps for the Republic of Ireland in his career, has been looking for a new permanent home after being released by Stoke City in May after their relegation from the Premier League last season.
He spent time training with Bolton over the summer and Phil Parkinson has finally decided to offer him a deal at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Ireland started his career with Cobh Ramblers before joining Manchester City in 2001. He went onto become a key player for the Sky Blues and played 176 games for them altogether.
The experienced midfielder then moved to Aston Villa as part of the James Milner to Manchester City deal in 2010. Ireland was shipped out on loan to Newcastle United in the January of his first season at Villa Park.
He stayed to fight back into the team at Villa but eventually left them to join Stoke City in 2013. However, injuries have halted his career and Ireland has played just five games in two years.
Here is how Bolton Wanderers fans reacted on Twitter to the signing of Stephen Ireland-
Interesting signing Ireland, we've lacked a player who can make something happen, An after Saturday hopefully he can cross a ball! #bwfc
— PD (@philduncalf) October 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/peakydav/status/1049739693494071298
No complaints at all, if he can stay fit and avoid injuries Ireland could be a very good signing especially at this level #BWFC
— Alex W ⚽ (@Alex_W_96) October 9, 2018
Stephen Ireland, if kept fit is a great signing. We’re missing that creative spark. Let’s hope he’s the guy to give it us. #bwfc
— Oliver (@OllieLR92) October 9, 2018
Stephen Ireland signs… he should be ready for January #bwfc
— John Hall (@OneSizeFitz89) October 9, 2018
Decent enough signing that! Welcome Stephen Ireland #bwfc
— BwfcGoals ⚽🇺🇦 (@BwfcGoals) October 9, 2018