Tom Soares Bio Send To Friend  

Highly-rated midfielder Soares made the jump to the Premeir League when he signed for Stoke City from Championship side Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day, September 2008.

He came up through the Eagles' academy and was handed his Palace debut in February 2004, aged only 17. The midfielder came on in place of Andrew Johnson in the 89th minute of the 1-0 home win over Gillingham.

Although he can play in a central role, and also on the wing, during his time under manager Neil Warnock Soares flourished in the slot just behind the front two.

His driving runs, combined with his six goals for the season, meant he was a key performer in Palace's 2007-08 campaign.

Having failed to make an impression in the Premier League he was loaned to Charlton Athletic in January 2009 and another loan spell came in November 2009 at Sheffield Wednesday.