STOKE CITY have released first-year scholar Callum Pilkington on compassionate grounds.
The 17-year-old hasn't managed to hold down a regular first-team place with the Under-18s, despite scoring three times in pre-season.
He came off the bench in the team's recent 3-2 extra-time defeat to Hudderfield Town, in what proved to be the forward's last appearance for the Potters.
The Club would like to wish Callum all the very best for his future footballing career, while also noting that they will be retaining compensation rights for the player.