Stoke City U23 coach Glyn Hodges wants to see more of their young players move out on-loan.

Julien Ngoy and Thibaud Verlinden have been on the first-team bench this season as Academy coaches try to bridge the gap between junior and senior football.

Hodges told The Sentinel: I know if I was a scout, these are the games (Checkatrade Trophy) I'd want to be watching.

“I am scratching my head about how one or two aren't already out on loan. There are some loanees out there and I know we've got better players.

“I don't quite know why we haven't had more out, but this competition is great for that because you're seeing the level they are playing at."