Stoke star Marc Wilson ‘not’ far away’ from return

Stoke defender Marc Wilson is “not far away” from a return to action and is said to be “desperate” to be ready for the European Championship finals for Ireland.

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill will be encouraged by the latest news from the Britannia on a player whose versatility in defence would make him odds-on, if fit, to be part of the squad of 23 for France.

Wilson suffered a knee injury towards the end of Stoke’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace on January 30, when it was confirmed the 28-year-old would be out for three months. But the Aghallon-born man is now nearing the end of his rehab.