Stoke's form is a reason for genuine optimism

[BBC] [Getty Images] Stoke City produced two goal of the season candidates to find a way past Sheffield United and head into the elongated international break in the best possible way. The Championship can consider itself warned about the quality Jack McGlynn has when it comes to shooting from anywhere inside 35 yards from goal. In following up the one he scored with his weaker right foot at Watford with a screamer with his left, McGlynn announced himself as a legitimate goalscoring midfielder in this division just weeks after his move from MLS. What might help him to continue to fly under the radar is the fact that Sam Gallagher outdid him a few minutes later from a similar distance. Ethan Galbraith's commitment to finding a forward pass makes Stoke far more dangerous, but his ball over Gallagher's shoulder left him with a lot to do. The touch under pressure was perfect and the strike was even better, further underlying the fact that he possesses a mix of brute force and subtlety that few players in the second tier can boast. Justin Devenny and Galbraith have come up with decisive moments in recent weeks, as has Eric Bocat, and the depth of quality available to boss Mark Robins only improved further with the return of Junior Tchamadeu off the bench after injury. It's three weeks until Stoke play again, at Bolton, but everyone involved from fans to coaches and players can enjoy the break in matches at the right end of the Championship table after a run of form that gives cause for genuine optimism.