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FAI Player Watch – Jonathan Walters

After two wins in their last two games, Stoke City look to have staved off any fears of Premier League relegation. In his latest piece, our regular columnist Cathal Kearney looks at one of the mainstays in Stoke’s starting XI, Ireland’s Jonathan Walters.

With seven goals and three assists to his name so far this season, Stoke City’s Jonathan Walters has enjoyed a solid Premier League campaign.

Despite his side’s flirtations with the relegation zone, the Republic of Ireland wide man has been an ever-present figure for the Potters, featuring in all 35 of Stoke’s league games this season.

His creativity and knack of popping up with some crucial goals has served Stoke well as they aim to stay in England’s top division for a sixth consecutive season.

Walters’ performances for his club have obviously had an impression on Giovanni Trapattoni, with the Italian seemingly a firm favourite of Walters’ ability to wreak havoc going forward.

His aerial prowess, versatility and physicality have endeared him to the Ireland manager, who has continued to show faith in Walters throughout the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Walters featured once again for Stoke on Saturday afternoon as they faced Norwich City at the Britannia Stadium. The home side won the game 1-0 courtesy of a Charlie Adam strike, with Walters and co. delivering a collectively sound performance to help Tony Pulis’ men to yet another crucial three points.

Walters put in a typically-energetic display, disarming numerous Norwich attacks down the right flank. He did manage to pick up a silly booking – his fourth of the season – but will almost certainly feature in Stoke’s next league game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on 6 May.

Picture courtesy of: Stoke City Official Facebook

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