Former Manchester City and Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland has joined Championship side Bolton Wanderers on a short term contract. 

The 32-year-old was released from Stoke following their relegation from the Premier League, having only made seven appearances for the Potters in an injury-hit season for the former Irish international.

Ireland will be keen to gain some much needed match fitness and help Phil Parkinson's side in their quest to maintain their Championship status.

Speaking to Bolton's official website, Parkinson is confident that Ireland can have a positive impact this season for the Trotters.

“Although he's got a bit to do in terms of match fitness, we've got a lot of games coming up and I'm sure he will make a positive contribution.”

Bolton are currently 16th in the Championship table this season and face relegation threatened rivals Rotherham United after the international break, a game which may come too soon for Ireland.

But what can Ireland bring to the Bolton team this season?

Find out here....

With 305 career appearances to his name, Ireland brings a considerable amount of experience to an already experienced Bolton Wanderers side this season. Having the likes of Ireland in the same squad as the likes of David Wheater and Gary O'Neil, will certainly help younger players such as Sammy Ameobi and Joe Williams develop at the club.

Even though Ireland's lack of match fitness being a real concern for Bolton supporters, at the age of 32, Ireland still has excellent technical ability on the ball. He will be hoping to recapture the excellent form he showed whilst at Manchester City during a five-year-spell with the Premier league side.