Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is pleased with his sides home form but knows that picking up points away from the Britannia during the closing weeks of the season will be crucial to ensuring Premier League survival.

 

So far, more than a dozen away journeys have failed to produce a win for the Potters and this remains a concern for Pulis. "We have got to win games and come away from home and be competitive," he said "I don't want to be here saying ifs, buts or maybes.”

One player who can play a key role is fit-again striker Mamady Sidibe. After almost three months out through a knee injury, he has returned to a new striking partner in James Beattie and knows that forging a successful link with the former Everton and Sheffield Utd man is vital is City are to win their relegation fight. "It takes time, but there are only nine games left so we have to find a way very quickly.”

Sidibe is also keen to find his form again to enable him to play his part. "I also have to keep working hard to get back to my level. I think I am far away from what I was before."