Mike Stokes Potters’ fire O’NEILL WORKS HIS MAGIC

IT TOOK just eight minutes for new Stoke boss Michael O’neill to work his magic – thanks to Sam Clucas.

Stoke’s f lame- haired midfielder gave the experienced Northern Ireland boss the perfect start as he kick- started what fans hope is a revival, with two clever goals in the Potters’ third win this season.

O’neill ( below) said: “It was not a difficult decision to come to Stoke, just the timing was the issue.

“It’s important to fulfil my obligations to Northern Ireland, with games against the Netherlands this Saturday, then away to Germany on Tuesday.

“But I wanted the opportunity to put my stamp on the team. It was a risk, but we made the changes and got the result we wanted.

“Let’s hope this is the beginning of a move up the table. I was delighted for Clucas, with his goals and performance. We have to add that to his game from now on.”

Clucas took delivery of a suicidal free-kick that went straight to him as Barnsley keeper Brad Collins went out wide to take it.

The quick- wi tt ed midfielder spotted Collins well out of his area and simply lobbed a longdistance shot into the net.

It was no surprise when Clucas chalked up a second, with a penalty by Lee Gregory – given away by an Alex Mowat foul on James Mcclean – and a Joe Allen strike in between.

It meant Stoke ended up scoring more than three goals for the first time in 89 matches.

Little wonder that the Potters’ 3,000 away fans went into raptures.

Clucas epitomised the energy and effort that O’nei l l – S t o k e’s fifth boss in two years –

has demanded from the start in his new job.

He insisted on taking charge on Friday, when he signed a three- and- halfyear deal, and his nononsense way could be seen from the kick-off, with Stoke showing discipline, organisation and spirit.

Barnsley gained heart when Cameron Mcgeehan unleashed a blockbuster right-footer that left former England keeper Jack Butland stranded.

The irony was not lost on O’neill, who tried to convince Mcgeehan to play for Northern Ireland’s seniors after featuring with the Under 17, 19 and 21 outfits – but to no avail, with the Barnsley man wanting to keep his Irish Republic options open.

Barnsley sub Patrick Schmidt made an impact as he scored a minute after coming on – but by then, it was all over.