Source: SKY_Sports
Sidibe wary of knee knock
Mali international Mamady Sidibe is happy soldiering on and helping Stoke retain their Premier League status despite a persistent knee injury.[LNB] The former Gillingham forward missed two months of the Premier League season after hyper-extending his knee back in December.[LNB]The 29-year-old has played in Stoke's last four matches as Tony Pulis' side look to retain their top-flight status, however, his knee is still causing him trouble.[LNB]However, with just nine matches left in the season, the powerful striker is not looking for another rest and is happy soldiering on in a bid to help the team's cause.[LNB]"The knee is not always easy when you think it's alright," he told Sky Sports News. "Sometimes you still feel it a little bit.[LNB]"I still feel it a little bit, but it's good enough to play, but maybe just the confidence I need, that's it.[LNB]"I just have a play on it, especially now as there are only nine games left. I have to play and not think about the knee."[LNB]DifferentDuring Sidibe's absence Stoke snapped up James Beattie during the winter transfer window from Sheffield United.[LNB]Sidibe admits playing alongside Beattie is different from Ricardo Fuller, but he is enjoying learning about his new striker partner.[LNB]"It's different because I'm used to playing with Ricardo. I flick the ball for him and then run fast, which is good," he continued.[LNB]"Now I'm playing with Beattie, who's a very good player. He's scored a lot of goals since arriving.[LNB]"The only thing is the way we have changed the way we play a little bit, but it's good. [LNB]"I've learned a lot about him because we spend a lot of time communicating. It's good playing with Beattie."[LNB]
