Stoke City manager Nathan Jones has offered some early team news ahead of his side's midweek clash with Preston North End at Deepdale.

The main headline from his pre-match press conference on Tuesday was that marquee summer-signing Nick Powell was fit and available for selection again following after picking up a knock on the opening day of the season.

"We are in good shape in terms of injuries," Jones said, according to the club's official Twitter account.

"Nick Powell is back fit and available for selection should we call on him tomorrow."

Last season saw Powell score eight goals and assist seven more for Wigan Athletic before opting to join the Potters on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract.

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Stoke will be eager to pick-up their first win of the season against Preston with a 2-2 draw with Derby County on Saturday condemning them to last place in the current Championship standings.

Martyn Waghorn gave the Rams a second minute lead at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday but goals from Liam Lindsay and Scott Hogan either side of half-time put the home side in control.

The verdict

Having Powell back is really good news for the Potters.

He is a seriously classy operator in midfield and has that star quality that Stoke will need in order to avenge last season's bitterly disappointing finish.

Jones really needs to get three points on the board and I have a feeling they will do so on Wednesday night. Results have been poor so far but the consensus seems to be that performances have gradually improved.

Once they get one win you get the feeling that many more will follow.