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Stephen Ireland injury latest as wife gives health update after ex-Man City star rushed to hospital

Stephen Ireland was rushed to hospital over the weekend

[Stephen Ireland and wife Jessica]

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Stephen Ireland and wife Jessica

Ex-Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has had surgery following a devastating double leg fracture, with wife Jessica sharing news of his progress. The 39-year-old suffered the severe injury while playing for Wythenshawe over-35s in the Cheshire Veterans Premier Division Cup final against South Liverpool on Sunday, after a brutal tackle.

The distressing moment occurred during the first half when Ireland came off worse in a 50/50 challenge. At the time of the injury, Wythenshawe were leading 3-0, thanks to a hat-trick from ex-Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse. Ireland reportedly waited around 30 minutes for an ambulance, which eventually arrived on the pitch at Warrington Rylands' Gorsey Lane, before being transported to a local hospital, according to the Manchester Evening News.

His wife confirmed he had fractured both his tibia and fibula, necessitating surgery. The former professional footballer, who previously played for Aston Villa and Stoke City, is now recuperating.

Posting on Instagram, Ireland's wife shared an emotional photograph holding the former Republic of Ireland international's hand as he rested in a hospital bed, still wearing his Wythenshawe shirt. She explained: "I wouldn't usually do such a personal post on here but I just felt I needed to update everyone who has been messaging and asking how Stephen is doing.

"I feel bad that haven't managed to reply to everyone yet and I didn't want anyone to think I was ignoring their kind concern.

"I have just been in hospital with Stephen since the incident happened Sunday morning and understandably just focused on getting him better. "Stephen incurred a "both-bone" break to his leg, his tibia and fibula were badly broken and therefore he needed surgery.

"He came out of surgery last night and thankfully all went well, he is now on the road to recovery.

"We Just wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming concern and support and all the lovely messages!

"To everyone who was there when it happened and knows how traumatic it was, THANKYOU for the immediate action that was taken and for the incredible support that day He's got a tough road ahead but anyone that knows Stephen will know he'll be fighting fit as soon as physically possible."

Ireland has been recognised as a key figure behind the viral Wythenshawe Vets sensation. He joined forces with former teammates and opponents to create a Sunday league dream squad, featuring prominent names such as Cisse, Joleon Lescott, Emile Heskey, Oumar Niasse, Maynor Figueroa, Antonio Valencia and Danny Drinkwater, all of whom have represented the Greater Manchester side. Wythenshawe's over-35s side has been utterly dominant in their league campaign, surging to the summit of the Cheshire Veterans League unbeaten after their first 10 matches, boasting an impressive goal difference of 77 and sitting six points clear of nearest challengers Parklands (Widnes).

The season is already shaping up to be a trophy-laden one, with the side having claimed the Manchester FA Veterans Cup following a commanding 9-2 victory over East Manchester in last month's final.

Last week, Ireland was confirmed as one of the marquee names set to represent Wythenshawe at the winner-takes-all $1million TST competition in North Carolina, which is scheduled to get underway at the end of May.

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