O’Neill swoops for NI rising star Thompson
BLACKPOOL midfielder Jordan Thompson has signed for Championship side Stoke City for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old links up with his Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill at the bet365 Stadium after spending two seasons with the Seasiders.
Thompson has signed a twoand-a-half year deal with his new club.
“Jordan is obviously a player who I know well — a young player with a lot of potential,” O’Neill said.
“I believe he has the attributes to add to the team and the ability certainly to play at Championship level and above. It’s good to be able to give him the opportunity.
“He’s a very talented left-footed player. I think in the last 18 months in particular he has added a lot to his game, especially defensively, and he has a bit of bite as well.
“What Jordan adds is he is a good passer of the ball, has an eye for goal and decent delivery from set-plays too.
“He has been very impressive since he has stepped up from Under-21 to senior international level. He’s far from the finished article but equally I think he will be a very valuable addition to the squad.”
O’Neill was the man responsible for handing a first international cap to Thompson in May 2018 and has since played him against the likes of Germany and the Netherlands.
His first senior start for his country came in the 1-0 friendly win over Luxembourg at Windsor Park last September.
Thompson, a 2018 free transfer from Rangers, enjoyed a strong first season at Bloomfield Road, scoring three times in 47 appearances.