Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference ahead of Stoke City's visit to Watford, manager Michael O'Neill believes his marquee summer signing John Obi Mikel is stronger with more games under his belt.

Having mutually terminated his contract with Trabzonspor in March, the former Nigeria skipper was inactive for six months before making his league debut for the Potters in September.

Fitness issues are now a thing of the past as the Chelsea legend has gone the distance in nine consecutive Championship games, and wore the captain's armband in the last four.

Asked how much sports science influences his selection, O'Neill replied : "What sports science and medical information gives you is a knowledge of how robust players are and some are more robust than others in terms of their ability to play and consistency.

"If you look at John Obi Mikel, he has got stronger with the more games he’s played as opposed to the players who play in attacking positions who maybe need to be given spells when they’re rested for periods or we have to withdraw them at certain parts of a game looking forward to the next one.

"We have to manage the load of the players very carefully".

Mikel faced Watford five times back in his Chelsea days, winning three and drawing the other two.

Igho Kingsley