Mark Hughes praises Stephen Ireland impact in Stoke City comeback

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has hailed the impact of substitute Stephen Ireland in his side's 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Potters trailed Mauricio Pochettino's men 2-0 going into the final 10 minutes of the match, but Marko Arnautovic scored from the spot and then Ireland produced a sublime cross for Mame Biram Diouf to head home an equaliser and earn the visitors a point.

The Welshman has conceded that Ireland does not always get the first-team opportunities that he deserves, but feels that he may get a chance if he continues to produce quality off the bench.

Hughes told reporters: "Stephen knows how highly I value him.

"I probably don't show it as much as I should do in giving him appearances but I have discussions with him on a number of occasions because I feel I disappoint him too often for the talent he has.

"He's a very, very talented player. If he can lift his head he'll play intelligent balls into key areas of the field so I was delighted with what he produced at the end."

Stoke face Norwich City at Carrow Road next week.