Stoke City manager Mark Robins has made it clear he wants to fast‑track 20‑year‑old strikers Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe into regular first‑team action. The pair featured in the opening pre‑season friendly at St George’s Park, with Tezgel earning 45 minutes against Braga while Lowe sat on the bench.

How did the youngsters perform in pre‑season?

Tezgel’s half‑hour cameo showed the Crewe‑loan product still has a nose for goal – he struck the post twice and forced several saves before being subbed off. Lowe, who spent last season shuttling between Stockport and Wycombe, watched from the bench but impressed in training drills, prompting Robins to praise his “attitude and hunger”. Both players returned from loan spells with double‑digit tallies: Tezgel netted 15 in League Two despite a three‑month ankle lay‑off, while Lowe added 11 across League One outings.

Why is Robins so keen on keeping them?

Robins explained that nurturing home‑grown talent aligns with the club’s long‑term strategy. “We have two really good, talented players and I am sure both of them want to play for Stoke City,” he said. Sporting director Jon Walters confirmed a flurry of inquiries from other clubs, but Robins wants to give the duo every chance to earn a spot before any loan or transfer move materialises.

What does the upcoming schedule mean for their chances?

Stoke’s pre‑season will intensify with a behind‑closed‑doors match against Braga (Portugals 1‑0 win) and a friendly at Crewe on Saturday. Afterward the squad heads to Austria for a training camp, then returns for high‑profile friendlies against Everton on July 28 and Valencia on August 1. Those fixtures will be the first real tests for Tezgel and Lowe to prove they belong in the Championship side.

Where does Stoke City stand in the league right now?

As of the latest update, Stoke City sit 17th in the Championship with 55 points from 46 games (15 W‑10 D‑21 L) and a recent form of L L L L D. The team has scored 51 goals and conceded 56, sitting five goals shy of a neutral goal difference, and remains 40 points behind leaders Coventry. Their next league test will be at home against Watford on 2027‑02‑13, where they sit 16th.

Robins insists patience is key. “It is really early, we have only been back a week,” he reminded fans. “We will have to wait and see.” The manager’s promise to nurture Tezgel and Lowe adds a fresh narrative to a campaign that desperately needs goals and consistency. If the teenagers can translate pre‑season promise into league points, Stoke City could see a much‑needed lift in both confidence and standing.