Stephen Ward has linked up with fellow Ireland international James McClean having signed for Stoke City ahead of the start of the 2019-20 season.

The Dubliner has spent the last five seasons at Burnley and will now drop down to the Championship to help the Potters with their promotion chase next season.

"He's a wonderful player with great experience, not least because he has won the Championship title twice," said Stoke manager Nathan Jones.

"I’ve worked with Stephen in the past when he was on loan at Brighton and I know that technically he’s very, very good."

"I'm feeling fit and strong and ready to go," said Ward. "This club is built for the Premier League so that’s got to be the main priority this year.

"Winning promotion and having a successful season has to be our aim, and that is the base of what I’m seeing after speaking to the manager.

"It was really excited in what the manager had to say, his philosophy and his plan for the club. As soon as I spoke to him I knew that I wanted to be here."

"I’ve had a good break, looked after myself and I’m raring to go. I’m delighted to have sorted my future."

Former Ireland Under-17 international Nathan Collins also plays for the Staffordshire club.