Stoke boss Tony Pulis has hinted that winger Ben Marshall will stay at the Potters next season, at least initially.
Marshall, 19, had loan spells at Northampton, Cheltenham and Carlisle last season, and impressed in all those spells, sparking much interest from Championship and League One clubs about his availability for the next campaign.
It looked as though the pacey star, signed from Crewe last summer after rejecting pro contracts at Gresty Road, would continue in the footsteps of Ryan Shotton and Carl Dickinson by progressing up through the leagues out on loan but it now seems Marshall may well be given his chance with the Potters first team.
In an interview to The Carlisle Times and Star Pulis said "We have had Ben watched by our own people and all the reports are encouraging.
“Now we will want to see him come back, along with the other lads we had out on loan, and impress with their work-rate and attitude to pre-season before deciding whether another loan spell will do them good.”
He scored 7 goals in 39 appearances for his three sides last season, with 2 goals in 20 games for League One Carlisle. He impressed the Brunton Park management with his attitude to the extra responsibility handed out after the clubs other two senior wingers were both ruled out for long spells.