Former Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Ward has joined Stoke City.

The 33-year-old defender has signed a one-year contract with the Potters after leaving Burnley last month.

Ward made 113 appearances for Sean Dyche's side across five years and he'll link up with fellow Irish players James McClean and Nathan Collins at the Brittania Stadium.

The Dubliner trained with his new teammates earlier today and becomes Stoke's sixth signing in the last 24-hours, following the arrivals of Adam Davies, Nick Powell, Lee Gregory, Jordan Cousins and Liam Lindsay.

“I’m delighted to be here, it’s a massive Club with great ambitions and I’m really happy to have joined", Ward told Stoke's official website.

“It’s a new club and I want to hit the ground running and hopefully we can have a really successful year.

“I’m feeling fit and strong and ready to go. 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.”