Lewis Baker's 'sexy' Stoke City flick impresses Michael O'Neill

Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill has backed Lewis Baker to make a 'very good' impact at the bet365 Stadium after the on-loan Chelsea midfielder scored a superb goal in the Potters' 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Baker, 26, has been in impressive form since joining Stoke on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea in August, and he continued his fine start to the campaign with a stunning flicked goal against the Owls.

The goal came in the 25th minute when Baker received the ball from Tariqe Fosu on the left-hand side of the penalty area.

The midfielder took a touch before flicking the ball over the head of Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and into the back of the net.

It was a goal of real quality, and it was no surprise that O'Neill was full of praise for Baker after the game.

"I thought he was excellent," O'Neill said. "He's a very good player. He's got great quality. He's a good footballer. He's got a good understanding of the game. He's got good feet. He can pass the ball. He can score goals. He's got a bit of everything."

Baker's goal helped Stoke to a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, and it moved the Potters up to 12th place in the Championship table.

The midfielder has now scored two goals in his first five appearances for Stoke, and he will be hoping to continue his good form when the Potters travel to face Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

O'Neill believes that Baker can be a key player for Stoke this season, and he is confident that the midfielder can make a 'very good' impact at the bet365 Stadium.

"I think he can be a very good player for us," O'Neill said. "He's got all the attributes to be a top player. He's got the ability. He's got the mentality. He's got the desire. He's got the hunger. He's got everything."

"I'm really excited to see how he develops over the course of the season. I think he's going to be a big player for us."