Ireland insists he has 'a lot to offer' Bolton

The Irishman failed to win a contract with the 'Trotters' in the summer as he lacked fitness while recovering from a double leg-break, but has now agreed a short-term deal with Phil Parkinson's side. 

The former Manchester City and Stoke midfielder is yet to try his trade outside of the Premier League, though now has the chance with Bolton and insists he is not there to waste time. 

He spoke to 'Sky Sports' about the move: "I'm not here to waste my time or waste anyone's time, otherwise I would have retired and enjoyed my life with my family.

"I'm here because I have got a lot to offer, I have a lot to give and I'm not here just to see my career out over the next couple of years. That's not what I want to do. I think more highly of myself than just doing that over the next couple of years and slogging it out.

"I want to help my team-mates and help Bolton. I want to get myself back to being as strong and healthy as I can, and obviously I want to play as much football as I can and get as many minutes as I can.

"I'm willing to get my heads down, roll my sleeves up on those horrible nights when you're away from home and up against it. I want to win or lose with my team-mates. I want that feeling again when you're just dragging your legs into the changing room after a game.

"I want to see what I am capable of as well. I want to push myself and make myself proud because I want to back up all of my talk.

"It's one thing saying it, but I just want to play with my team-mates. I want to enjoy it and I just want to get back to doing what I love and just want to play as much football as I can over the next few years with a smile on my face.

"I don't want to just go through the motions, that's not what I am here for."