Stoke City chairman Peter Coates admits they're delighted with the progress of Florent Cuvelier.

The Belgium under-21 international has signed a new two-year deal and is expected to be loaned out again after a spell at Walsall last season.

Coates told The Sentinel: "He is doing very well, but is very much at the beginning. So much is down to desire and hard work to make yourself a top footballer, but he's had a good start."