Stoke City new boy Ki-Jana Hoever has made no secret of the fact that he is relishing the opportunity to play first-team football on a regular basis following his loan arrival at the bet365 Stadium.
The 21-year-old, a versatile defender, became the Potters’ third signing of the January window when he checked in from Wolves earlier today.
The Dutch Under-21 international had spent the first half of the season on loan with PSV Eindhoven but having been restricted to just five league appearances he is keen to make up for lost time.
“I’ve been at big clubs and I’ve been on big stages but for me the most important thing right now is to play regular football and Stoke gives me that chance,” he told Stoke City+.
“Of course, I need to prove it myself and show that I’m on top of my own game but if I do that I’m sure that I will be involved a lot.
“I need to play regular football and the Championship is a good level and Stoke is a big club. I just need to get minutes under my belt and start developing as a player.”
He added: “I’m very happy and really excited for Stoke to come along. I think we are both are really positive – I am really positive, the Club is as well and I’m just really happy to be here.
“It all happened pretty quickly; a few days ago my agent called me and he told me about Stoke and about the situation there and what it could offer me and straight away I wanted to have a conversation with the manager and the Club. After that, basically everything went really quickly.”
Alex Neil insists attracted by the former Liverpool man’s versatility, with Hoever declaring: “I’m a right wing back, right back, a right-sided defender and one of my qualities is go up and down and bring a lot of energy and get involved in attacks.”
Hoever will hope to make his City debut in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Stevenage at the bet365 Stadium (kick-off 2pm).
He could be joined in making a first appearance for the Potters by fellow loan signing Bersant Celina but goalkeeper Matija Sarkic misses out as he’s cup-tied.
