Stoke City No2 Mark Bowen has confirmed Mark Hughes was in Barcelona this week.

Hughes made a scouting check on Barcelona B.

Bowen said: "It's no secret Mark went out there, but they are a long way from pulling on a Stoke City shirt.

"It's a chance for other people. Stephen Ireland has looked back to his old self in the last couple of weeks, so this is an opportunity for the likes of Stephen."

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