Stoke City boss namechecks Mikel among five Potters players who are top professionals

Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side's meeting with Swansea City in the Championship, Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill namechecked former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel among five top professionals in the squad who can help the youngsters in the squad fulfill their potential.

Mikel's first spell in England was with Chelsea, with whom he won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice, and the Champions League and Europa League.

The 33-year-old is respected in the Stoke City dressing room and has been handed the captain's armband in more than ten matches in 2020-2021 despite joining the club less than seven months ago.

When asked if he's tempted to use more youth players, O'Neill was quoted as saying by StokeonTrentLive : "What we do have is a really good level around them and that helps.

"I look at John Obi and Joe, James Chester and Steven Fletcher, Danny Batth and they’re all top professionals and top lads for young lads to be around.

"That has given us confidence to introduce young players as we see it and hopefully they’ll be better for the experience.

"We’re doing it on the basis that longer term it hopefully makes for a stronger team that can challenge for promotion".

Mikel and his Stoke City teammates host promotion-chasing Swansea at the bet365 Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Igho Kingsley