Young goalkeeper Seiloni Iaruel's trial at English Premier League outfit Stoke City has gotten off to a promising start with the Vanuatu international playing an impressive role in a win for the club's U-18 side.
The 17-year-old took up his place between the sticks in the second half as Stoke's youngsters trounced their counterparts from Brentford 4-1.The match was Iaruel's first piece of action in a Stoke shirt after several days of training at the club's academy and he put in a strong showing.
"I enjoyed my first game with Stoke and I think I made some good saves," he says.
Iaruel has been made to feel welcome at the club and is looking forward to continuing his trial.
"I am so glad to be here on trial, it's a great club and the staff, coaches, volunteers and fans are great. They have made me feel at home even though I am far away from Vanuatu."
The promising teen has impressed enough so far to be offered an extension to his trial period and will now be at Stoke for another month.
Academy recruitment manager Kevin Scott says there is a chance Stoke will sign him if he continues to do well.
"We are happy to have a Pacific Island boy with us and if he works hard enough we will decide if we can sign him," he says.
"It is up to him to perform, he must work hard in training and perform well in the matches."
Iaruel is pleased to have seen his trial extended but knows he still has plenty to do to achieve his goal of earning a professional contract.
"I hope I can work hard enough to convince them but, to be honest, it's not easy," he says.
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