Taylor happy to play the waiting game at Stoke

Joel Taylor is still awaiting his maiden first-team appearance for Stoke but the talented young left-back admits he has already learned a great deal since joining up with the squad.

The 20-year-old caught the eye last season in the U-21 set-up for the Potters and has been training with the first-team squad this season.

He even travelled as part of the squad for their Premier League clash with Middlesbrough earlier this season although a debut did not materialise.

But the youngster is not downhearted – insisting he is improving every day in anticipation of that first call-up.

“At first it was so exciting to get the call to say you are training with the firsts,” Taylor said.

“Of course there were some nerves but it makes you feel confident in your ability and you want to go and do your best.

“It is very difficult to be honest – there aren’t a lot of players out there like them that can do things that they are able to do.

(Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)

“Although it is hard it’s a great experience for me and will only make me a better player in the long run testing myself against the best.

“Taking in the atmosphere is a lot as I’m not used to playing in front of many people.

“Although it is tough, it is an uplift and gives you a taste of what you could be playing in front of every week. The more you go the more you get used to that atmosphere.”