‘Jacob received his Scotland call and went and had an ice bath...’
“Next thing he got picked for the Young Socceroos, which was fantastic to see.”
John Mahoney, seemingly with tongue firmly in cheek, told the Sentinel at the time that he didn’t realise he was Welsh until he had a call up.
Then there’s Danny Collins, for Brazil he could play, apparently. That might be a terrace myth.
A GLIMPSE OF ABDALLAH SIMA
A report elsewhere a few days ago suggested that Brighton might consider a January recall for Abdallah Sima.
That isn’t going to happen, not least because he has already run out for Slavia Prague and Stoke and isn’t allowed to play for a third club in the same season.
There is hope that Stoke get to see more of the 20-year-old striker soon enough after bad luck with injuries, which had never been a concern before a couple of months ago. An awkward problem just above his ankle has been followed by a groin issue.
He has shown glimpses of his attributes so far but in too small a window.
And he will want to resolve that soon to make sure he is in Senegal’s plans for the African Cup of Nations, which runs from January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon – and to help Stoke’s cause at the top end of the Championship.
NATHAN HEANEY BACK IN THE RING
Good luck to massive Stokie Nathan Heaney as he takes on Sladan Janjanin (Bosnia and Herzegovina) for the vacant IBO international middle title on Saturday night.
The fight at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham will be shown live on BT Sport and make sure not to miss his entrance to Delilah. It’s
getting a reputation as one of the best walk-ons in boxing and he’ll be backed by 1,700 fans.
YOUNG PLAYERS TO WATCH
One of the most important stories bubbling under at Stoke is trying to make sure that 16-year-old striker Emre Tezgel, from Forsbrook, stays with the club.
He is very highly rated by his coaches, academy director Gareth Owen, first team players, coaches and Michael O’neill, who has been able to introduce him to senior training already this season.
Chelsea are among clubs who have noticed his remarkable potential for club and England but
Stoke have a pathway for his development and hope he’ll agree his first contract.
Connor Taylor’s development is also exciting Stoke coaches. He is holding down a place in Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers defence during a season on loan – and catching the eye in League Two.
Bristol Post columnist Benji Deane said this week: “Connor Taylor is some player, isn’t he? It’s hard to believe he is just 20. He wins every ball that comes his way and is consistent. He guarantees you a performance almost every week too. He’s delivering the kind of assured performances at the heart of the defence that Barton signed Mark Hughes – a long-term injury absentee – to produce.
“Taylor made the League Two Team of the Week and it’s fantastic to watch his progression. As a fellow Gashead said on Twitter, Taylor would head a bowling ball back to you if you threw it at him”
THE CARDS OF CHANGE
Thanks to the Stoke fan who pointed out the club’s record with Jon Moss as referee.
Moss is down from the Premier League this weekend to oversee the match at Luton Town – and Stoke haven’t won in the last 10 league matches he’s had the whistle. They have only won three and lost 10 of the Sunderland teacher’s 17 Stoke matches.
Perhaps it isn’t as bad as that. The opposition in that run includes Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal, twice. He also reffed the League Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield when Stoke won on the night but lost the tie on penalties.
And no-one was complaining when he was in charge back in December 2013 and Stoke beat Chelsea 3-2 thanks to a wondergoal from Ossie Assaidi. That glorious celebration with Assaidi wheeling his shirt over his head was even worth the subsequent booking.