Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is delighted with the progress of academy graduates Carl Dickinson and Andy Wilkinson.

"For a long time I've held the belief that players are maturing later these days, particularly at the very highest level of the game," Pulis argued. "I think life is a lot easier for youngsters growing up in the game nowadays and maybe that leaves them a bit softer than when people like me were growing up.

"It therefore takes a bit longer to knock players into shape for the cut and thrust of the real thing.

"Andy and Carl are two examples of lads maturing that bit later than they might have done in the past.

"Andy, especially, came in and was magnificent for us last season, showing great mental strength to compete so well against a lot of household names.

"Carl is a similar kind of character and one we are giving time to for the same reasons as Andy.

"His chances were limited here last season, but he went out and did well at a demanding club like Leeds United when he was on loan there."