This article is part of Football League World’s Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

FLW's Stoke City fan pundit Ben Rowley has called for Connor Taylor to be loaned out in January. 

The 21-year-old impressed while away from the Championship club with League Two side Bristol Rovers in the second half of last season but has found opportunities hard to come by under new boss Alex Neil.

Taylor featured in Stoke's first 10 games but has not played for the Potters since mid-September, with Neil preferring more experienced defenders.

Rowley believes the homegrown player, who signed a new three-year contract earlier this year, has a bright future and may be needed in the near future but has suggested that a loan in January could be best.

Asked what departures he'd like to see in the winter window, he said: "There are a few players in this Stoke team that will need development loans I think.

"Alex Neil is trying to steady the ship with the more senior players and that's at the expense of some of the younger lads.

"I think Connor Taylor falls under that bracket."

He continued: "We've got Harry Souttar coming back after the World Cup, we hope. We've also got plenty of competition but with the likes of Phil Jagielka probably retiring soon, Souttar with his head half out the door after his great performances, Aden Flint not being cop, we're going to be short on centre-backs within the next year or so and I want Connor Taylor to step up into that role.

"Whether Alex Neil thinks he's ready to do that now or not I don't know, I certainly want to keep him for the future. I want him to be in and around the first team but I do think he needs to force his way into the team and a loan is probably the best way to do that."