WANDERERS have released ex-Manchester City and Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland before he has played a first team game for the club.

A short-term agreement was signed with the 32-year-old in October but despite turning out twice for the development squad in recent weeks, he was informed today that a new deal will not be forthcoming.

Ireland has played just five times since the start of the 2017/18 season, following a badly broken leg sustained in a training ground accident at Stoke City.

A Wanderers statement read: “Bolton Wanderers can confirm the cancellation of midfielder Stephen Ireland’s contract by mutual consent.

“The 32-year-old linked up with the Whites on a short-term contract back in October, but the decision has now been taken between himself and the club to bring his deal to an end.

“All at BWFC would like to wish Stephen all the best with his future endeavours.”

Meanwhile, Mark Beevers is expected to return for Wanderers as they travel to face Brentford at Griffin Park this weekend.

The big centre-back missed the 1-0 defeat against Leeds United last weekend with a minor groin strain but had started the six of the last seven games in the league.

Parkinson has also revealed he has been assured by chairman Ken Anderson that there will not be a repeat of November’s pay issues when money is paid into staff accounts at the end of the month.

“Ken is confident next month’s wages will be sorted so we’re a lot more settled with the issues and the money, shall we say,” he said. “It’s just time to focus on football, that’s all we want to do.”

The Wanderers boss wants full focus on the next four games, three of which are against sides currently in the bottom third of the Championship table.

It has been a long time since Bolton tasted victory – but Parkinson is determined not to allow players’ belief to waver.

“It’s a mentality thing, to believe you can win a game and beat anybody, but also understanding what is required to do that,” he said.

“We have got to be ready to run through brick walls, to run those hard yards, stop crosses, to put ourselves on the line in the opposition box to try and get a goal.”