S. Ireland loaned to Stoke

     Aston Villa have loaned out midfielder Stephen Ireland to fellow Premier League side Stoke City until the end of the 2013-14 season.

     The 27 year-old will be re-united with Mark Hughes, who was Ireland's manager when he was at Manchester City.

     The former-Republic of Ireland international only made 45 appearances since joining the Midlands club in 2010 and has since been loaned to Newcastle United.

      Ireland is the second signing for Stoke on transfer deadline day, joining Werder Bremen striker Marko Arnatouvic.

Ireland in action for Aston Villa.