Stoke in McCann link

Last updated : 16 December 2008 By Tony Scholes
Chris McCann
Given his performances this season the speculation is likely to increase during the next month and a half as clubs start to shape their squads for the second half of the season. There was constant speculation linking him with Sunderland but that was possibly when they had the 'RK' in their name.

But Stoke, who are currently enjoying their first ever season in the Premier League and are in thirteenth place, are showing more than an interest according to speculation in Ireland.

Owen Coyle rates McCann very highly. He's said on numerous occasions that he's good enough to be playing in the Premier League. But at this stage I believe he will be reluctant to let him go with the Clarets in the top four and aiming for the Premier League themselves.

January might just be a tough time for our club though. In the last four years we've seen Robbie Blake, Richard Chaplow, Ade Akinbiyi and Andy Gray sold during the first month of the year.