Mark Robins Exercise Stoke City Recall Option On Midfielder

Lewis Baker is back at Stoke City as Mark Robins triggered a recall from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.

The 28-year-old goal-scoring midfielder is returning to Clayton Wood in time to be involved for this weekend’s FA Cup third round trip to Sunderland. He has started the last four games at Blackburn, who sit one point outside the top six in the Championship, having needed to force his way into John Eustace’s team.

He had scored against Robins’ then-Coventry side in an opening day win for Stoke and was actually namechecked by Robins in February last season after Coventry had won 1-0 at the bet365 Stadium.

Baker has a reputation for his shooting ability from outside the box but he didn’t suit the way Stoke were being set up under Steven Schumacher, who sanctioned his loan move to Blackburn, which was due to run until the end of his contract this summer.

Sporting director Jon Walters said: “As we look to enhance our squad for the second half of the campaign, it was clear in discussions with Mark that he believes Lewis can play an important role in our squad.

“With the best part of 300 career appearances to his name, Lewis will add invaluable experience to the group, while his technical ability is something our supporters will be well aware of. Having started each of Blackburn’s four fixtures over the festive period, he returns ready to make an immediate impact.”