Mark Robins has called the development of a deep, competitive squad his 'biggest achievement' as Stoke City manager. His comments come as the Potters prepare for a Championship trip to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday with a genuine selection dilemma following their 2-0 win over Preston.

Robins told reporters that creating an environment where players are pushing each other for a place is what he values most.

That competition is set to be tested immediately. The victory over Preston, secured by goals from Ben Wilmot and Jack McGlynn, has opened up a space in the starting lineup. Midfielder Josh Laurent is suspended for the Blackburn game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the previous match.

Squad depth on display

Robins now has multiple options to fill the void, a scenario he has worked hard to create. The win lifted Stoke to seventh in the Championship table with 23 points from 13 games, just five points behind leaders Middlesbrough. Their recent form of three wins, one draw and one loss in the last five shows a team finding consistency. This sequence, which includes the 2-0 win over Preston on Saturday 31 October, a goalless draw with Bristol City on Saturday 24 October, and a 1-0 victory at Derby on Saturday 17 October, has stays.

Jack McGlynn, who scored one and assisted another against Preston, is one of several players who have stepped up. The team has scored 20 goals this season while conceding 16, a solid foundation for their push up the standings. Their overall record stands at seven wins, two draws and four losses from their 13 matches played.

Focus turns to Ewood Park

The immediate challenge is a visit to Ewood Park, where Stoke drew 1-1 last April. A positive result could see them close in on the automatic promotion places. "Every game is an opportunity," Robins stated, emphasising the need to maintain momentum. The next fixture is away to Blackburn on Tuesday 3 November.

With Laurent unavailable, the manager could turn to the likes of Lewis Baker or Wouter Burger to partner Ethan Galbraith in midfield. Stoke's next run of fixtures presents a chance to solidify their top-six credentials. The squad depth Robins prizes will be key during this busy period, starting with the Tuesday night fixture under the lights at Blackburn.

The original report is at The Sentinel