Robins: Seko has displayed top character

STOKE City boss Mark Robins has hailed the character of midfielder Tatsuki Seko for his display in the club’s final preseason friendly of the summer against Burnley last weekend - but he indicated that the player's decision to knuckle down after an indifferent first campaign in England hasn't come as a surprise.

- Joe Chapman

Seko, who was given the nod after Lewis Baker, who had started ahead of him a week earlier against Wolverhampton Wanderers, fell ill and missed out, was excellent in the middle of the park as Stoke beat the Clarets 1-0, thanks to a first half goal from Ben Wilmot. Lining up alongside Ben Pearson, Seko picked his passes and was combative out of possession.

Indeed he might even have added to the score against the then ten-man Burnley late on when he was played in on goal, only to allow a visiting defender to recover after taking a little too long to get his shot away.

Still, Seko, who was in and out of the side last season under various managers, caught the eye and is pushing for a starting berth against Derby County.