Stoke City boss Mark Hughes was delighted with Stephen Ireland's goalscoring performance in their FA Cup win over Wrexham.

It was the 28-year-old playmaker's first appearance because of injury since December 2, his first brace for the club and his first goals for 13 months.

Ireland has been stricken by various fitness problems since the summer, but Hughes, main picture, denies he has become injury prone.

"He's just been really unfortunate," says his manager.

"He's just had bumps, there are no fundamental flaws in his physique, and when he's come in he's shown the ability he's got.

"He arguably started pre-season in the best form of anybody, then got injured, went out of the team and found it hard to get back in, then got injured again. So it has been stop-start for him.

"But hopefully this year might be a bit more productive for him. He will always get you a goal, he is a good finisher and will be encouraged by that."