BOSUN FEELS AT HOME

Lawal says he has grown into new defensive role during Potters' pre-season

- Andy Turner

BOSUN Lawal feels he’s grown into his latest role at Stoke City where he’s on course to start the new campaign at the heart of Mark Robins’ defence.

The 22-year-old looks to have put his injury woes behind him after completing a full preseason following a nightmare start to life at the bet365 Stadium. He signed from Celtic for a reported £2m last summer but was restricted to just eight games due to a stress fracture in his lower back.

But coming through his latest and final run-out of the friendly schedule - a 1-0 home victory over promoted Burnley at the weekend, courtesy of a Ben Wilmot goal - the player feels that both he and his Potters teammates are ready for the new Championship season.