Ex-Cat helps Smallbone make Stoke loan move
Will Smallbone has joined Stoke City on loan after he was linked with both Sunderland and Burnley with a little help from former Black Cats captain John O’Shea.
The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder has impressedwhilstwiththeSaints’ pre-season party, but has now joined Stoke City on loan for the coming season following strong links to other Championship clubs.
Smallbone has made just 20 senior appearances for the Saints so far in his career since graduating from the club’s academy following injury issues.
Speaking for the first time since the move, the midfielder said: "I'm buzzing to be here. From the moment that I found outthatStokewereinterested, knowing Gavin [Kilkenny] and John [O'Shea] who are here and speaking to them about the club, they've had nothing but good things to say. Once I knew there was serious interest, I was looking forward to coming.
"It is Stoke and it is a massive club. I spoke to the manager [O'Neill] a few times and hehasgotbigambitionsforthe season and they match with my ambitions, so together, hopefully we can go on to good things."
He added: “Unfortunately, I had a bit of bad luck last year with injuries, but looking into this season I spoke previously abouthowwhereverIendedup IwantedtomakesureI’mplayinggamesandStokehavegiven me a good chance to hopefully go and do that.
“I feel in really good shape. I think the fact that I played games during the summer with the Republic of Ireland helped me keep the momentum going into pre-season. Hopefully, I can carry that on with Stoke.”