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Sturrock said: "If I was the chairman or manager of Southampton," said Sturrock, "I would be doing exactly the same to continue his development.
"He's proved himself in this division. Now it's important that he proves himself in the next division up.
"He was fantastic with us and I hope he progresses in the same way at Stoke."
"There's no doubt he was a big star in his short time here," says Sheffield Star reporter Paul Thompson, "and the fans were a bit sick when he had to go back.
"He did an excellent job here and I would think he could do the same for Stoke. He's tall, good and strong in the air, has got good pace and can obviously finish.
"He's leggy, awkward for defenders and can put them under pressure. I wouldn't say he'd got the skill to cope in the Premiership yet, but he's certainly good enough for First Division level."