Stoke boss Robins happy to retain Burger

Wouter Burger was linked with a move away from Stoke

Stoke boss Mark Robins has said he is happy he was able to keep Wouter Burger at the club after the German midfielder gathered interest from an unnamed club on the final day of the winter transfer window.

Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Bristol City on Wednesday, Robins confirmed discussions had taken place regarding the 23-year-old's departure from the Bet365 Stadium, but Berger remained a key part of his plans this season.

"There was a potential to lose Wouter, so I'm pleased that he's still here," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke.

"He's a really important player, he's a really good player and he's somebody who I think can improve further.

"For me, at that stage [of the window], it would have been really difficult to replace anybody in the squad, especially with the circumstances around the injuries.

"There is a good player in there - 100% there is. Wouter has knuckled down and he's working hard to try and improve on a day-to-day basis, so I'm pleased with what I've seen with Wouter so far."

Burger played all 120 minutes of Stoke's FA Cup fourth-round exit to Cardiff on Saturday, converting his own penalty in vain as the Potters lost 4-2 in the shootout after the match ended in a 3-3 draw.