HARRY BEING HELD BACK

Potters stay patient with Souttar after defender suffers slight issue in his rehabilitation VALE FIND OUT LEAGUE ONE PROGRAMME: PAGES 44&45

STOKE have had to step back Harry Souttar’s rehabilitation programme a little with a view to making sure he is fit for the long-term.

The 23-year-old suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage while on international duty with Australia in November and pre-season had been a key target to get back fit, hoping to come out of the traps with Stoke and be back at top form for the World Cup in November.

He has had to cool that a touch, however, and although he hopes to be back out on the grass in the next couple of weeks, there is recognition that he won’t be ready for the start of the new campaign in late July.

Michael O’neill said: “We had to step Harry’s rehab back a little bit so he’s not at that point where he’s close to joining in training at this minute in time.”

The manager added about the World Cup: “It’s a massive target for him. I’ve always said to him that his first target is to get back and play for us but the fact that he’s got the World Cup as well is a massive boost for him.

“It’s something he has to aspire to get himself fit for but it also has to be managed.

“When the World Cup comes around that will be 12 months since his injury and cruciates are all different. Some players can be back after seven or eight months and some can be 12 months. It’s different, every player is different and the rehab is different for every player.

“Every player is different biomechanically – Harry is obviously 6ft 7in – and every player has a different journey back to fitness.

“Harry is working extremely hard. You can tell he’s desperate to get back out on the grass because he’s spent so long working in the gym and everything doing all that type of rehab work which can get monotonous. We’re hopeful we can see him back on the grass in the next week or two.”

Stoke have another centre-half on their shopping list as they deal with Souttar’s recovery while clubs in League One are monitoring the availability of prospects Connor Taylor and Will Forrester, who will both have a chance to stake their claims in pre-season.

Souttar’s status as a key player is in no doubt but he will not be rushed back before he is ready.

O’neill said: “He’s proven in the time we’ve had him in the team how important a player he is for us, he’s well regarded not only in our league but people obviously look at him and see a centre-half at a good age who has got massive potential. Now obviously he has the chance to go to the World Cup.

“But equally we’re not in a situation where we have to rush him back. Harry is on a long-term contract as well and we want to get the most out of him. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do here.”

Benik Afobe has been to Belgium to complete a move to Club Brugge. He had 12 months left on the Stoke contract he signed when he joined from Wolves in 2018.

The fixtures for the new season have been released by the EFL and Stoke will head to Gary Rowett’s Millwall on the opening day, Saturday, July 30.