'There's loads to work on and loads to work with...'

STOKE City's preseason preparations continued on Saturday as they returned to the bet365 Stadium and shared the spoils in their latest friendly, this time with Premier League opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers.

- Joe Chapman

Bae Junho, returning from injury, opened the scoring before the break, before a Hwang Hee-chan penalty levelled matters with 15 minutes to go.

It remained a very decent showing against quality opponents, and provides food for thought ahead of the visit of top flight counterparts Burnley next week.

Here are the talking points from the friendly meeting in the Potteries...

NEW FACES IMPRESS

Sorba Thomas could be an especially intelligent signing on this evidence.

An international winger, experienced at this level but at 26 still with hopefully his best years ahead of him, and all for a reasonable transfer fee too. On paper he ticks many boxes.

Thomas was bright on the left from the get-go here, positive in taking on his fullback, demonstrating a neat turn of pace and quick footwork.

His supply line from set-pieces and open play on that left-hand side heading into the campaign should prove to be a useful weapon in the squad's arsenal. Another not-so-new face, but certainly a fresh component of this side after a highly frustrating first season with the club, is Bosun Lawal.

He looks a serious talent, too, physical when he needs to be yet impressive technically and extremely composed in possession.