 Since then Wilkinson has gradually worked his way into the first team and after four loan moves and a number of injury problems had restricted his career.He broke into the side during the 2007–08 season in which Stoke were promoted to the Premier League.He helped Stoke establish themselves in the top-flight in 2008–09 and 2009–10 and he played in the 2011 FA Cup Final which Stoke lost 1–0 to Manchester City.