Campbell looking to impress Stoke City

Jamaica College ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup star Norman Campbell is feeling good after his first game with the Stoke City U-23s in a practice match against Cardiff City U-23s on Tuesday. The speedy winger only played 20 minutes but believes that in his limited time on the pitch, he impressed. He is now looking forward to the next game on Saturday against Birmingham and the youngster is confident he'll do well.

Campbell, who is in England on a one- week (22-29) trial with the English League Championship side, said the first few days have gone well for him and that his focus is on doing something 'special,' as he describes it on Saturday to convince the club to take him on board permanently.

However, he admitted that it will not be easy.

"Things are going good. I came in Monday but did not train much because they were preparing for the (Cardiff) game the next day. But (in) the few minutes I got in the (Cardiff) game, I believe I showed them what I can offer and I think they were impressed," he told STAR Sports.

However, he is hoping to get more playing time than the last time, so he can give them a better look at what he is capable of.

VERY POSITIVE

"If I get good minutes on Saturday, I will be looking to score or create a goal," he said. "If not, I will still try to show what I can do. But if I don't get the minutes, I don't think they will judge me on that, if I don't score. But things are very positive. Since I've been here, everything has been positive and it gets better day by day. So it's just to stay focused and keep my head high."

The youngster, who resides with former Stoke City standout and Jamaica international Ricardo Fuller, said the former Stoke City star has been a great motivation and guide.

"He keeps me motivated and advises me on what I need to do to improve and let me know I can do more. His presence is a great motivation," he said.

Fuller agrees that the young player might have to do something special to impress the Stoke coaches to extend his stay in Britain.

"In the game against Cardiff, he was bright, he was sharp, full of energy and looked very hungry, more than any other player on the field, as if he wanted it more than the others and that was great to see," Fuller said. "He only got about 25 minutes and I didn't think they saw him enough to judge him fairly. But for the game on Saturday, he has to do something special for them to sign him. They will probably look to acquire him and put him on loan in France or somewhere he can develop until he is ready. But he will have to do something special for them to really sign him or extend his trial. He has to perform better than everybody else if he really wants that chance."

"If he does well, they will extend his trail period because he cannot play when the league starts, as he will have to be registered, and we know Jamaica's problem with the work permit."