Could O’Neill’s trio of new recruits help propel the Potters into the playoff places?

A tough test against Blackburn Rovers will cap off what has already been a busy week for Stoke City.

Following the signing of Rabbi Matondo last week, City secured the services of Rhys Norrington-Davies and Jack Clarke until the end of the season.

21-year-old Norrington-Davies had his loan spell at Luton Town cut short by his parent club Sheffield United. The allure from Stoke boss Michael O’Neill proved to be too strong as the Blades accepted a loan offer for the full back almost immediately after his return.

The Sheffield United prodigy has gradually worked his way through the divisions, spending a season in the National League with Barrow in 2018/19 before plying his trade for League One outfit Rochdale the following year.

However, this season has been by far his most successful to date has come during his short spell under Nathan Jones this term. The promising left back has impressed and played over 1400 league minutes this season.

When compared to current City left back Morgan Fox, the new boy is seemingly the superior creator, but there is still room to develop his defensive attributes. Norrington-Davies has created two more chances than his counterpart this season, and also has a far greater pass accuracy (74%).

Furthermore, winger Jack Clarke has struggled to get game time under Jose Mourinho as the competition for places at Spurs is immense. However, the 20-year-old is no stranger to the Championship as he impressed at Leeds United prior to his £10 million move to the Lilywhites.

Despite underperforming in his latest loan spell with a struggling QPR side, the Englishman has excelled during the last six months, after training alongside some of the best talent that this country has to offer.

Following the confirmation of the deal, Clarke stated that he has “come a long way over the past six months”, despite his lack of game time.

“But when you’re in and around world class players every single day, you are naturally going to become a better player.”

With the trip to Ewood Park looming, Northern Irish manager O’Neill will be hoping that his new assets can ensure his side gain three crucial points that could see them climb into the playoff places, should other results go their way.

The visitors have seen their positive early season form slip away as of late. Their lack of goals since the injury of talisman Tyrese Campbell has been extremely detrimental, as the Potters remain winless in their last five in all competitions. Ironically, they last tasted victory in their home fixture against Rovers before Christmas.

However, with Michael O’Neill now having sufficient options on either wing, he could begin to play his desired 4-3-3 formation, as opposed to sticking with the more negative 3-5-2 formation that has significantly nullified his side’s attacking output.