Stoke City's Stephen Ireland desperate to remain in first team picture

Following his impressive cameo off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur, Stephen Ireland hopes to be an integral part of what he sees as a bright future at Stoke City.

Related: Stoke City fights back to overturn 2-goal deficit, earn draw at White Hart Lane

Joselu was felled in the box for a penalty after being the recipient of an Ireland pass, and just five minutes later the midfielder delivered a pinpoint cross to Mame Diouf's head to cap an impressive 2-2 comeback at White Hart Lane.

"It's my job to make a difference, whether that be from starting the game or by coming on as a substitute, so I was delighted to have impacted the match against Tottenham in a positive manner," he told the club website.

The Manchester City academy graduate was player of the year at the Etihad Stadium in 2009, before moving to Aston Villa a year later. The Irishman struggled for consistency in Birmingham, but remained in the Midlands as he initially joined Stoke on loan in 2013.

"I want to get in the team more often and play week in week out. I will always do my best here, and give everything I have for the team."

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has had a busy summer transfer window, bringing eight players to the Britannia Stadium. The club smashed its transfer record last week with the £12-million purchase of Xherdan Shaqiri.

Ireland is desperate to be an important part of the ambitious project in the Potteries, and believes European qualification is not out of the question.

"I have wanted top four or top six football for a long time now, it's something I crave, and I really feel that it can be achieved here."