Stoke City youngster Nathaniel Wedderburn is in the frame for a Carling Cup debut against Portsmouth next week.

The 18-year-old was City's best player after coming on at half-time in their 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at Nantwich last Monday.

Reserves boss Mark O'Connor said he would like to have played Wedderburn from the start, but was conscious of helping more senior players gain fitness.

He told The Sentinel: "He did really well. He influenced the game when he came on. He has come back from England with plenty of confidence.

"I've got to be honest, I would like to be playing him in the reserves, but we have some pros that need a game.

"We have the cup game at Portsmouth next week and a few of them might play then. I don't know what team the manager will pick for that match, but he needs to know he has 20 players to choose from. Nathaniel is in that group now, no doubt about it."