Transfer Gossip: Bolton Wanderers to hand Stephen Ireland a second trial

According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, Bolton Wanderers are set to give former Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Stoke City midfielder, Stephen Ireland, a second trial.

Ireland was initially training with Wanderers a few weeks ago, but that trial was cut short after he picked up a calf injury the day before the game against Girona.

Ireland, 31, has just been released by Stoke City, at who he spent the last five years. Ireland only played four times last season, starting just once.

The controversial attacking midfielder made his professional debut for Manchester City against Bolton Wanderers in September 2005. Once a highly promising player, Ireland went on to play 174 times for City, before moving to Aston Villa as part of a deal to sign James Milner.

Whilst at City, Ireland made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland, and went on to score 4 times in six games. His flourishing Ireland career ended in controversial fashion in 2007.

Wanderers have just signed Luke Murphy & Gary O’Neil, so clearly don’t need to rush to make a decision on Ireland.

If the Irish midfielder can prove his fitness and his wage demands aren’t too excessive, then I think he may be worth giving a chance to.

Do you think Stephen Ireland would be a good signing for Wanderers? Let us know in the comments box below.