You do wonder just what might have been had Stoke City not found themselves with what feels like half a squad of players injured. An injury to goalkeeper Viktor Johansson needed a quick reaction so in came Gavin Bazunu on loan from Southampton. Simkin certainly would not have been overwhelmed by the opportunity but Stoke understandably needed experience. Will he be pushing for a first team start now or is he one for the future? Stoke fans had not seen a lot of the 18-year-old but will now watch how his career develops with interest.

Source: BBC February 04, 2026 16:40 UTC