James McClean has claimed that Stoke youngster Nathan Collins is destined for big things following an eye-catching start to his senior career with the Potters.

Having only made his senior debut earlier this year, Collins has made just eight appearances for the club, but has already been handed the captain's armband for his side's 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic in the first round of the Carabao Cup last month, becoming Stoke's youngest ever captain in the process.

Those early performances have seen the 18-year-old called up to the Republic of Ireland's Under 21's side for the upcoming international break, for which he has also been put on standby for the senior side.

McClean is already part of that senior setup for Ireland, and speaking about Collins in a press conference ahead of their Euro 2020 qualifier with Switzerland on Thursday, the midfielder was quoted by The Irish Mirror as saying: “He’s going to have a big future.

“He’s such a level-headed youngster, he just takes it in his stride, even the captaincy."

Discussing the type of approach that Collins takes to the game, McClean added: “He’s not the most vocal in the world, but you don’t have to be. Actions speak louder than words and he leads in the right way.

“You see young players now and they’re flash, brash.

"It seems to be more about how they’re perceived on social media rather than actually doing the business and how they’re perceived on the pitch.

“It’s none of that with Nathan. He’s just level-headed, works hard and wants to be the best player he can be."

Stoke have endured a difficult start to the season, which has seen them pick up just a single point from their opening six games of the Championship campaign.

The Potters next Championship action sees them host Bristol City a week on Saturday.

The Verdict

I fully agree with McClean here.

Collins has been hugely impressive in his short senior career so far, and has been one of the bright sparks of a very tough start to the campaign for the Potters.

That the young defender has already been handed the Stoke captaincy shows just how high regard he is held in around the club, and the fact that he has already had that experience that honour will stand him in good stead for the future.

Given how he has performed so far, you feel Stoke will be more than satisfied with the new long-term contract they secured Collins to earlier in the summer.