O’Neill returns to lead Stoke battle after Covid-19 scare

MICHAEL O’NEILL returned to duty at Stoke’s training ground yesterday after the all-clear from coronavirus, just as the Championship prepares to emerge from its own lockdown today. The Potters, who are among the teams preparing for a nine-game shoot-out to avoid sliding into the third tier, had their plans thrown into disarray by O’Neill’s positive test earlier this month. ‘No doubt my absence has been a hiccup but the team have been brilliant in making sure the disruption has been minimal,’ said O’Neill, who took charge of Stoke in November when they were bottom of the table but has since steered them to 17th. But, ahead of today’s trip to Reading, they are only three points above the drop zone. ‘Though our last game was a 5-1 win (over Hull), it counts for nothing. We are starting again,’ said O’Neill.