Manhoef provided boss Robins with reminder of his true ability

STOKE City got another 90 minutes of preseason action under their belts as they stepped up their preparations for the new Championship campaign.

- PETE SMITH

Mark Robins used 22 players in a 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night to close a six-day training camp in Spain.

A MILLION MANHOEF REMINDER

Million Manhoef has given glimpses of his talent during his year-and-a-half at Stoke, at his best when he cuts inside onto his left foot and lets one rip. Except, Stoke haven't been exactly bursting with talent alongside him in every game so gradually opponents have had chance to set up a couple of defenders to block that route.

Brighton were never going to double mark him but we shouldn’t make light of the fact he was up against Jack Hinshelwood, also fresh from the under-21s European Championships, where he shone for England. He beat him time and again and although he didn’t always get the final decision right, basically he should only need to get it right once to be a match changer.

He slammed a shot against the bar, which set up the chance for Lewis Baker to win a penalty. He could use his right foot more, of course, but hopefully that's something that Robins can work on.