Stoke City academy director Dave Wright admits they could've lost Olly Shenton to Premier League rivals.
The 16-year-old midfielder enjoyed a 12-minute debut at the end of Stoke's Capital One Cup win over Portsmouth.
Wright says Shenton's qualities have attracted the attention of clubs and agents, but his Stoke-supporting family are trusting the club to guide his career in the right direction at the right speed.
He told The Sentinel: "Olly's always had opportunities to go to other clubs, but his family have seen the work we have done with him and seen how happy he is here, so there has been a trust and a loyalty.
"Them being Stoke fans helps, but I'd like to think it would have been there anyway."
