Stoke City manager Mark Robins has provided an encouraging update on striker Sam Gallagher, confirming that the 29-year-old is eager to contribute after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Gallagher, who arrived at the Bet365 Stadium from Blackburn Rovers last summer, has endured an injury-hit season, making just 10 appearances so far and scoring one goal. However, after featuring in the recent defeat against Norwich City, he now appears ready to play a bigger role.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming Championship clash with Middlesbrough, Robins told StokeOnTrentLive:
“In his mind, I think he’s ready to go and desperate to get going. He’s said that for a bit because it’s been a stop-start time for him. He’s a really intelligent guy and hopefully, we can use that to everyone’s benefit and keep him on the pitch because we need him. He’s got a lot of talent that we want to demonstrate and he wants to put out in front of the supporters week in, week out.”
Stoke City’s Patience with Gallagher
Stoke City are likely to take a cautious approach with Gallagher’s return to full match fitness, ensuring he is not rushed back too quickly.
The club signed him on a long-term deal until 2027 with the aim of bolstering their attacking options. Upon his arrival, the former Blackburn man spoke of his ambitions, telling the club website:
“The direction that the Club wants to go in is what attracted me. There is an eagerness to climb the league which aligns with what I want to achieve. I feel confident in my abilities, I want to impact the team in a positive way and, most importantly, for the Club to be successful.”
Before joining Stoke, Gallagher spent five years at Blackburn Rovers, scoring 37 goals in 188 appearances. His career began at Southampton, where he made 26 first-team appearances and had loan spells at MK Dons, Birmingham City, and Blackburn before securing a permanent move to Ewood Park.
Writer’s View
Gallagher’s return to fitness is a timely boost for Stoke City. With their attacking struggles evident, his presence up front could provide a much-needed spark. However, managing his minutes carefully will be key to ensuring he stays fit for the remainder of the season.
As for their upcoming match, this is a golden opportunity for Stoke to take advantage of a Middlesbrough side low on confidence. A strong performance could set them on the right path as they battle to secure their Championship status.
