Stoke City U23 coach Glyn Hodges says they're happy with their progress in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Stoke went out of the competition on Tuesday evening when their penalty shootout victory over Bury followed defeats to Bradford and Morecambe in their four-team group.

"Everyone you speak to has enjoyed it and think it's the way forward," said Hodges. "I suppose we will wait and see what they decide in the summer and keep our fingers crossed we are still in it and they still do it.

"It's a steep learning curve and they will have learnt a lot over the three games, so we are pleased to have entered."