Young defenders boost for Stoke

Stone-born Wilkinson, 24, has excelled at right back in recent weeks despite a foot injury and has said he never wants to leave the Potters. He has recently signed a contract extension with the club he supported as a boy and does not want to play anywhere else.

Fellow academy graduate Carl Dickinson, who was sent out on loan to get some more first team football has been recalled by Tony Pulis following good reports of his performances for the League One side. Dickinson, who played a major role during last season's promotion campaign, has struggled to gain a place this season after falling behind Danny Higginbotham in the pecking order, but now returns having played himself into form at a lower level.