Stephen Ward signs short term extension with Stoke City until end of season

Stoke City have announced that Stephen Ward has penned a new contract at the Bet 365 stadium until the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Ward has made 17 appearances for Stoke so far for Michael O'Neill's men as they sit 17th with 49 points in the Championship following Sunday's 2-0 win over Birmingham City. 

His contract was due to expire at the end of June but with three games left of the season he will be staying put for the time being. 

The 34-year-old, who retired from international football in March 2019 after earning his 50th Republic of Ireland cap, spent five seasons with Burnley.

He is able to play in a variety of positions, primarily left-back, but also in left midfield. 

Ward made over 100 appearances for the Clarets during time in Lancashire, winning promotion to the Premier League in his second campaign. 

Ward started at left-back for the first time since he played at Fulham in the last game of 2019. He replaced Bruno Martins Indi at left-back in the 3-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic on the 30th June. 

The Potter's play Bristol City on Wednesday before taking on Brentford and Nottingham Forest in their final three fixtures.