Jonathan Walters

Jon Walters is a versatile attacking player who joined Stoke City shortly after the start of the 2010-11 season.

He is a hard working player with an eye for goal who can either play on the right wing or as a striker, but has also been used by Stoke in a role just behind the front line, linking attack with midfield.

After a slow start at the Britannia Stadium Jon came good in the second half of the season and finished the campaign as the team’s joint-top scorer. He was particularly effective in the FA Cup, netting two extra-time goals to dispose of Cardiff in the third round replay and then adding a brace in the semi-final thrashing of Bolton.

Jon began his career as a trainee with Blackburn, but it was not until he dropped down the divisions to play for Wrexham that he became a regular starter. A successful spell at Ipswich led to his move to Stoke for a bargain fee.

Jon was rewarded for his performances when he was called up to the Republic of Ireland international squad, winning his first full cap against Norway in November 2010.