Bojan and Marc Muniesa amongst big names included in Stoke’s Under-23 squad for Checkatrade Trophy clash with the Shakers
Side feature Premier League regulars including Bojan, Peter Crouch and Muniesa - who've all played in Champions League
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STOKE have named their side for their Checkatrade Trophy game with Bury - and there's some big surprises.
The Potters Under-23 side features some Premier League regulars including Bojan, Peter Crouch and Marc Muniesa - who've all appeared in the Champions League.
And it comes after Glyn Hodges called for Prem B teams to remain in the competition next season - despite opposition from many lower league fans.
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He said: “It’s a great opportunity for young players to play at a competitive level and I think a fair few of the clubs who have entered for the first time have enjoyed some very good results.
“Maybe it needs a side like ourselves to go on and reach the latter stages of the tournament, if that does happen then maybe it will be impossible for them to change this system.
“I have said it before but for me the way this competition is now is fantastic, and it would be missed from the calendar, certainly here. I just feel it benefits everybody involved.”
The competition has suffered from poor attendences since the format change this season, which saw Premier League and Championship clubs enter Under-23 teams.
Stoke realistically need a win tonight to keep up their interest in the competition, as they sit bottom of Group 3 with two defeats from their two games.