Championship: Stoke City Boss Hope To Have Mikel Next Season

Championship: Stoke City Boss Hope To Have Mikel Next Season By Sampson Adedeji As curtains was drawn in the English championship this season, Stoke City boss, Michael O'Neill, has already made it clear to retain the services of former Nigeria's Super Eagles midfielder and captain John Mikel, BSNSports.com.ng reports. The former Chelsea player had a strong performance and two moments of exceptional quality in their league game that caught the attention of the coach; a first half through ball to Rabbi Matondo and a moment of second half tight control that led to Tommy Smith's goal. Brilliant," said O'Neill. "I thought he was brilliant. The control and the pass he plays for Rabbi Matondo in the first half too. "I've just said to him in the dressing room that I hope we can get that player on loan from Chelsea again next season. Today I thought he looked every bit. "You can see with performances like that why he was at Chelsea for such a length of time in his career. He's been a top player who has won everything in the game. "He's been a brilliant signing. When we're compact as a team we get the best of John. He's very positive around the club, a lot of help for the young players and I'm delighted to have him," O'Neill told club media. Mikel, aged 34, joined Stoke as a free agent last summer after leaving Trabzonspor.