Michael O'Neill counting on Mikel to motivate Stoke City players in business end of the season

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill namechecked Super Eagles and Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel among the experienced professionals he is counting on to help motivate the players in the business end of the season.

With nine matches left in the regular Championship season, it appears the Potters are playing for nothing as they are twelve points adrift of Reading who occupy the last play-off spot.

Mikel has captained the Stoke City side in more than half of the matches he has been involved in this season, and is an influential figure in the dressing room.

"Motivation won’t be a problem for the remaining nine games. Players have high personal standards," O'Neill told reporters at Friday's press conference.

"We’ve got people in our building like John Obi Mikel, Joe Allen, James Chester, Steven Fletcher – just four players who are really good senior professionals that take real pride in making sure as a team we are highly motivated".

Stoke City, who are eleventh in the standings, welcome Derby County to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel