The 40-time England international could play as crucial a role in the dressing room and on the training ground as on the pitch in the coming months.

Setting the standards required to fire Stoke back into the top six and ensuring that Michael O'Neill's men do not fall away as they did in 2020/21.

The Verdict

At times this season, Stoke have looked the most likely side in the division to challenge Bournemouth and Fulham at the summit, a recent injury crisis has not been kind to them but Jagielka's experience can only improve their chances of finishing strongly.

Harwood-Bellis and Lewis Baker have also bolstered O'Neill's options this month, with the latter finally looking to settle down in senior football after leaving his boyhood club Chelsea.

The play-off chasing pack seems to be growing week on week in the Championship and Stoke are going to have to keep pace with that in the coming months.

Bringing in a few more experienced heads with promotions on their CVs this month would certainly stand them in good stead.