Michael O’Neill ahead of Sheffield United press conference on pace, injuries and recruitment

Welcome to our coverage of Stoke City on Friday April 1.
Stoke City owners, the bet365 Group, have announced they have ‘underlined their continued long-term commitment to the club and its funding’ by reducing the debts of the club’s holding company by £160million.
The announcement comes after the Potters found their way back to winning ways for the first time since February against Millwall (2-0) last time out before the international break. A first-half goal from Jacob Brown was then doubled by Lions’ George Saville as he put the ball into his own net.
While they may not be able to try and build momentum following the positive outcome, they can prepare for the busy and demanding schedule next month. The Potters will have seven games before the end of April.
Sheffield United, Reading, West Brom, Bristol City, Blackburn Rovers, QPR and Middlesbrough will follow. They host Coventry at the bet365 Stadium on the final day of the season on May 7.
Michael O’Neill welcomed Abdallah Sima on loan from Brighton Hove and Albion after suffering a groin injury in December. The Potters boss says he will consider the youngster as an option for the next few games.
The win, however, put Stoke five points behind West Bromwich Albion mid-table in 12th place. With 24 points still to play, O’Neill’s men have a chance to finish higher in the Championship.
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