GARY O’Neil stressed that Gavin Kilkenny’s loan spell at Championship Stoke City is being “monitored” as the Irish midfielder struggles for game time.

22-year-old Kilkenny has made just three league appearances since joining the Potters ahead of this campaign on a season-long loan.

Rocked by an medial collateral ligament tear that kept him out for three months, the Republic of Ireland youth international has watched on from the bench for Stoke’s last seven games.

Kilkenny’s last appearance for the Potters came before his injury, playing 68 minutes of Stoke’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland back in August.

With reports suggesting Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing the Irishman, there has been speculation over whether Kilkenny will be recalled from Stoke.

Asked about Kilkenny by the Daily Echo, O’Neil shared: “I think the situation where Gav will be monitored by the recruitment team and the loan manager will be looking at that constantly for us.

“When you send players like Gav on loan, you're hopeful that they gain experience and get playing time.

“He hasn't had as much as he would have liked.

“So, yes, we'll just monitor the situation and decide what's best for Gavin and best for Bournemouth.”