Clucas scores incredible halfway line goal for Stoke as Michael O’Neill gets off to magical start
SAM CLUCAS scored a Wayne Rooney-esque halfway line pinger to put Stoke City 1-0 up at relegation rivals Barnsley to give Michael O'Neill the perfect start to his first game as Potters boss.
The Englishman capitalised on a poor clearance from Terriers' keeper Bradley Collins to loop a beauty of an effort over the stranded stopper after eight minutes.
Barnsley won a free-kick midway inside their own half and Collins stepped up to take it despite the considerable distance from his own goal.
And much to the disgust of the home fans, the 22-year-old scuffed his effort and it fell to Clucas on the half way line.
Collins frantically scampered back towards his goal as Clucas shaped to shoot.
And the midfielder made no mistake as his left-footed effort soared over the keeper and straight into the back of the net.
Lee Gregory doubled the visitors' lead on the half an hour mark in front of the 4,000 jubilant travelling fans who will hope O'Neill can steer them to Championship safety.
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O'Neill was officially appointed just yesterday - replacing the recently sacked Nathan Jones - but insisted on taking charge of the relegation threatened Potters today.
He will also manage Northern Ireland in the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers and any play-off they have to play in March.
While Clucas' goal was something to behold, he was trumped by Cliftonville defender Conor McDermott who bagged one from ten yards inside his own half in Northern Ireland on the same day.