Last updated at 14:20, Monday, 20 December 2010

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has given Ben Marshall his blessing to stay at Carlisle United for the season after claiming the teenager’s spell with the Cumbrians is helping him mature as a player.

Ben Marshall

Marshall has been a big hit in his second stint with the Cumbrians and recently spoke of his keenness to sign up with Greg Abbott’s side until the end of the campaign.

Now Potters chief Pulis has confirmed that the 19-year-old flyer is free to remain at Brunton Park and is delighted at the progress he is making in the heat of competitive League One battle.

“I’ve spoken to Carlisle and he [Marshall] will stay there – he’s getting good experience and that’s what we want,” said the Britannia Stadium gaffer.

“We want younger players to get out as early as they can to play against men.”

Pulis believes Marshall has a Premier League future with Stoke with the former Crewe academy prospect poised to sign a contract extension until 2012.

The teenager, whose initial loan runs out on January 3, said last week: “It’s good that Stoke are interested and want me to progress but the best thing for me now is just to get a full season in and hopefully I can play lots of games for Carlisle.”

Marshall has made 18 appearances for United this term, scoring two goals against big guns Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.

Abbott will now move quickly to tie up his other loan stars on longer deals, with Lubo Michalik, Mike Grella and James Chester the key men.

Chester’s current deal runs out on December 31 and the impressive Manchester United defender is keen to prolong his stay with the Cumbrians.

Leeds duo Michalik and Grella see their spells runs out on January 3 and both have indicated they would be happy to sign up for longer with Carlisle.

First published at 13:39, Monday, 20 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk