'If we want to be near top of table we do need competition for places'

ASHLEY Phillips has no complaints about having to be patient to start again for Stoke City as he now tries to make sure he stays in the team.

- Peter Smith

BACK IN THE GAME: Ashley Phillips renewed his partnership with Ben Wilmot as Stoke drew against Middlesbrough. -Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.

(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

The 20-year-old centre-back was a very popular signing when it was confirmed in late July that he was returning for a second season-long loan spell from Spurs.

But he has had to wait for his chance behind Ben Wilmot and Bosun Lawal as Stoke have started the season with the joint-best defensive record in the EFL.

Maksym Talovierov, a summer signing from Plymouth, has also had to spend the first weeks of term on the bench.

Phillips got his chance at table-topping Middlesbrough on Tuesday and helped keep a clean sheet in a draw that keeps Stoke on their tails.