Stoke City are handing Stephen Ireland a new contract.

The Daily Mail says Ireland has been offered a contract until the end of the season despite not playing since suffering a broken leg in May 2016.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes wants to give the 31-year-old midfielder a final chance to overcome his injury problems and the club will let him stay for another six months when his current short-term deal runs out in the New Year.

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder's career has stalled after breaking his leg in training 18 months ago.

Hughes previously managed Ireland at Manchester City and is a great believer in his talent if he can get fit.