Mark Robins explains what he loves about Luca Bombino since his late summer move from San Diego to Stoke City

Luca Bombino is on a definite track to fulfilling his potential thanks to his approach to life at Stoke City, says Mark Robins.

The 20-year-old left wing-back joined Stoke from San Diego on transfer deadline day and an injury to Eric Bocat has opened up a first real chance for him to really stake his claim.

He made his first home start last weekend against Bristol City and is in line to play again as Stoke host Preston this weekend. That is in the here and now – but his manager is already seeing what lies ahead down the line.

Robins said: “Right from the first minute he came on the pitch against Norwich people saw that and he demonstrated what kind of character he is. He is certainly one you look at and he gives everything in every moment and every element. There is no way that he isn’t going to improve.

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“One hundred per cent he will improve. There is no way he can’t because of the way that he is. You’ve seen it, you’ve felt that as well and heard it. He is that studious, he’s serious about what he wants to be and he’s not afraid to try things.

“He’s not going to get everything right all the time, I don’t think anybody does, but he’s making strides that’s for sure. The biggest thing is that he’s really competitive and he has zero fear. He just wants to go and perform and loves it already.

“He’s only been here for a short spell but he loves it.”

Robins has been enjoying overseeing a fresh squad since all the manoeuvres in the summer. There are players who have joined from the MLS or Scotland and players with experience of the Championship even if their best years hopefully lie ahead.

He said: “It’s a challenge to work in any field in football. You’re trying to take people on a journey to help them fulfil their potential. You’re looking at people here who are willing to work and do what we ask them do to get in a better position individually and collectively as a team.

“I am enjoying working with them because they are open. They are open to ideas and they can take things on board and you can see them transferring it to the pitch.

“There is a method to how we work and they can see it, they can hear it, they can feel it, they can do it. They have everything at their disposal and sometimes it’s the bit between your ears that stops you or accelerate you so you don’t limit yourself.

“You have to graft and let it sink in over the few hours that you’re in during a day. You come in, you work and have to concentrate and then you let things sink. Those who are studious, like Luca – because you can see it in his face, he’s like a sponge, he will look at you and he’s listening and taking everything in – you can then see him replicate it on the grass.”

Robins insists he won’t read the riot act if players make an honest mistake trying to carry out instructions as they try to progress.

He said: “For me, if you’re trying and you’re trying to play the way we need to play against a particular opponent [there isn’t an issue]. I find it difficult when there’s a player you know is capable of more and he isn’t demonstrating that. That can be for a number of reasons and it depends on what those circumstances are to dictate how I react.

“You have to get to the bottom of that and if it’s during a game and you have to make a change, players want to understand the rationale behind everything these days. I try to make sense of it, I’m always honest and open and I expect the same from them.

“You want that honesty and willingness to deliver performances.”