 During the 2007–08 season Wilkinson broke into the first team and made 20 appearances as Stoke City were promoted to the Premier League.During the season Both Wilkinson and fellow academy product Carl Dickinson were an important part of Stoke's promotion.On 26 December 2008 he was sent off for a second bookable offence in the game against Manchester United, despite this he kept his place in the side at the expense of club captain Andy Griffin and went on to occupy the right back position for the rest of the season.