YOUNG GUNS GO HEAD TO HEAD!

STOKE held a successful online Q&A session with first-team pair Tyrese Campbell and Nathan Collins as the first in a series of events planned before the end of the season.

Here’s what the Potters duo had to say after being inundated with questions from Stoke supporters...

HOW DID THE STOKE ACADEMY

HELP YOUR PROGRESS? Campbell: It was a big transition for me. I was so used to how Man City worked. But I couldn’t have asked for a better move.

It was more football, how to cope with different situations, where as Man City they drill one system into you. In terms of my game and my development, it definitely helped push me on to where I am now.

WHAT IS LIFE AT STOKE CITY LIKE UNDER MICHAEL O’NEILL? Collins: Every day we’re excited to go into training. It’s a good place to be around. We’re all there to make each other better. There’s not much more you can ask.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE

MOMENT? Collins: I would say when Tye scored that winner against Sheffield Wednesday, even if it did hit his shin.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE

POSITION? Campbell: I’ll always be a striker, that’s always going to be my favourite position. At this moment in time, for my learning, I like the right wing. I’ve had a lot of success there and I’ve felt like I could get a lot more. At the moment I’d definitely say right wing.

CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF AND HARRY SOUTTAR FORMING A PARTNERSHIP LIKE HUTH AND SHAWCROSS? Collins: Those two were really good at the back weren’t they? Me and Soutts have a good relationship. He’s a top player and good to play beside. I don’t see why we can’t, if we keep going together. Who knows what’s going to happen?

DID YOU FEEL LIKE THIS SEASON YOU HAD A GUARANTEED PLACE IN THE SQUAD? Campbell: When the gaffer first came in I hadn’t really been playing much football. I wasn’t at the top of my game, I’d say, in terms of fitness and all round game.

This season, I felt more comfortable and believed more in myself and knew it was my job to show him what I can do and how I can help the team to make sure I’m one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Collins: It took me a lot of hard work but I always wanted to be starting, it didn’t matter if it was right-back or centre-back. I just wanted to play. I had to work hard and knew at one stage I’d get my chance.

CAN YOU TELL US THE STORY BEHIND SIGNING YOUR NEW

CONTRACT? Campbell: When the manager came in, I hadn’t played much football under the previous manager, and I just thought for myself and my career it would be best to go and play for someone else. I wasn’t getting the game time I needed at Stoke.

I thought I’d be patient, hang fire and see what happened in January. It was coming to Christmas time and the gaffer got me in his office for a chat.

I said my issue was not with Stoke, if I got picked to play I’d give 100 per cent, I wasn’t going to force a move. My only thing was minutes. He’d say he’d see what they could do over the next few weeks and then after that I was put on the bench for Sheffield Wednesday at home, scored in that; came off the bench at Fulham a few days later and then started at Huddersfield. From that moment on I knew in terms of playing and development Stoke was the best place for me. It was never a fact that I wanted to go. If I had, it would have been really sad. But it was for my career, I was at an age when I couldn’t just sit on the bench. I wanted to develop and make a name for myself. I’m happy that I can do that for Stoke.

WHO’S GOT THE WORST DRESS SENSE IN THE CHANGING ROOM? Campbell: There are a couple of names I can throw but I’ll go Nick Powell.

Collins: It has to be big Blondy, there’s no doubt about it. He comes in like a rainbow some days that fella.

HOW INSTRUMENTAL IS MICHAEL O’NEILL IN GIVING YOUTH A PLATFORM? Collins: Of course. The gaffer has big belief in the youth. It’s not just me and Tye, there are a lot around there and we all want to be footballers. There’s a lot of hunger. But it also matches with the experience from the older players as well. That’s a healthy relationship.

Once the gaffer believes in you and wants to improve you I think you always have a chance.

WHO IS THE MOST NATURALLY

GIFTED PLAYER AT STOKE? Collins: I’d probably say Powell. He doesn’t put a lot of effort into anything to be fair!

Campbell: Powelly, 100 per cent. Some of the things he can... He can just flick a switch and you’re like, wow.

He’s some player. He’s been doing it on a consistent level this season and everyone can see what talent he’s got.

WHO’S YOUR BEST PARTNER

UP FRONT? Campbell: I’ve enjoyed playing with all the strikers at the club. I wouldn’t be able to pick one. I’ve had success with a lot and they all bring something different.

WHO WOULD YOU APPOINT AS

NEXT STOKE CAPTAIN? Collins: I think I’d have to go with Joe Allen. He’s the longest serving after Ryan and he knows the club as well as anyone.

Campbell: I’d say Joe as well. He’s a leader, he’s played at the highest level in the Premier League, European Championships. He doesn’t even have to say that much, he leads on the pitch.

WHO IS THE MANAGER’S FAVOURITE PLAYER? Collins: Definitely Tye. It’s probably because Tye can get that odd goal and I can’t.

Campbell: No. Not at all.

WHO’S HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER? Collins: I’ve had a lot of top coaches but I’d still have to say my dad. He still gives me advice to this day.

WHERE DO YOU SEE STOKE CITY

IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? Campbell: I want to be in the Premier League with them. I don’t think there’s anything stopping us achieving that, a year or two from now. We’ve got a great squad and management, everyone is good around the club, good fans.

We all believe we can do it so in five years I hope the club will be in the Premier League. That’s my crystal ball prediction.