Champions League: Stoke City hit by a sucker punch as Preston boss explains how midfielder was told to button it

Michael O'Neill is preparing for the crunch clash with Queens Park Rangers without his two first-choice left-wingers. Stoke City as a bruising defeat to Preston was followed by an analysis of injuries to James McClean and Thibaud Verlinden. You can purchase Champions League Tickets from our website, around the world to enjoy its thrilling competitions.

McClean has suffered a medial ligament injury in his left knee and will be out for several weeks. He had initially tried to play through the pain barrier before he was withdrawn by Michael O'Neill. Verlinden is out for the rest of the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury, also in his knee.

It is dreadful news for both players and leaves O'Neill with a worrying gap in his squad, particularly when their position in the Championship is still so precarious.

Preston manager Alex Neil has already been quizzed again about an at-times blood and thunder encounter, with his star midfielder Ben Pearson assuming the role of wind-up merchant in chief - particularly after McClean had given him a barge in the back.

He said: "It's a difficult one for me because I feel like a bit of a hypocrite because I was probably hotter headed than Ben when I played.”

"When I watch him, I feel like I'm watching me about 15 years ago, so it feels a little deceitful but the other guys quickly get a hold of him and tell him to basically button it.”

Ex-Stoke boss favorite for League One vacancy

Nathan Jones is currently the bookies' tip to replace Simon Grayson at Blackpool. there's an exciting name further down the shortlist in one Charlie Adam.

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