Michael ONeill will be keeping watch of Tom Edwards progress at New York Red Bulls in hope that he can come back ready to fulfil his potential at Stoke City.

Edwards has returned from a loan at Fleetwood Town ready to head over to the United States for the rest of 2021, trying to make sure a career which started so young is going in the right direction.

The right-back, who has just turned 22, made his Premier League debut at 18 and is under contract at Stoke until 2024 and there is hope that this move and the chances and tests it presents will be a big step in his development.

O'Neill said: I spoke to Tom yesterday and I think its a good opportunity for him. He had a loan spell at Fleetwood which went relatively well although there was a bit of upheaval with the manager leaving just before the Christmas period.

This presents a different opportunity for Tom. Hes spent most of his career at Stoke, coming through the club as a local boy. This gives him an opportunity to see a different side of football away from Stoke and Stoke City.

Hes still on a lengthy contract and this is an important opportunity for him and one he should grasp with both hands.

Young Potters defender Nathan Collins is attracting plenty of transfer interest ahead of Monday night's deadline.

Arsenal, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Manchester United have all been touted as possible destinations.

In our daily Stoke City bulletin, we'll be bringing you any updates on Collins' future as well as other news, transfer features and comment pieces.

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Edwards had been the first of a star-studded Stoke youth team to make his senior breakthrough but while Tyrese Campbell and Harry Souttar are now first team regulars, he has not found it plain sailing over the last couple of years.

ONeill said: Young players have dips for various reasons. Tom was in the side when I came to the club but lost his place in the team.

I think at this stage of his career its very important for him to play.

Sometimes when players get to 28 or 29, sometimes that isnt the only factor and they make decisions based around their lives as much as anything, but in Toms situation he can make a purely football decision.

If he takes his opportunity and does well, well continue to monitor him in the MLS and hopefully he can come back and try to reignite his career here at Stoke City.

Edwardss exit this month follows his old Academy teammate Thibaud Verlinden and there could be more to come.

But, with four new signings in, there are not likely to be any coming the other way before the 11pm deadline on Monday.

ONeill said: I dont think well be adding to the squad in that period. Our main focus is on players leaving the club and players on the periphery of the team looking at opportunities elsewhere.

Thats something were only in control of to some extent and hopefully players will get the opportunity to kickstart their careers elsewhere.

Continued here:

Stoke City bosss message to Tom Edwards as he heads to New York Red Bulls - Stoke-on-Trent Live