Joey Barton has confirmed Bristol Rovers would "love" to sign Stoke City defender Connor Taylor on loan again, but he accepts the Gas are not in control of the situation.
Taylor, aged 20, starred for Rovers on loan last season, making 43 league appearances and scoring three goals as Barton's side claimed promotion to League One. His excellent form in the blue and white quarters helped him earn a new three-year contract at Stoke last week and first-team boss Michael O'Neill is taking a close look before deciding Taylor's immediate future.
He was absent for the Potters' 2-0 defeat at the Mem on Tuesday, with the Gas completing their pre-season schedule in style with a deserved win over Championship opposition. Taylor has featured prominently in pre-season but was given the night off on Tuesday.
