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. The former Gillingham forward missed two months of the Premier League season after hyper-extending his knee back in December.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.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."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."I still feel it a little bit, but it's good enough to play, but maybe just the confidence I need, that's it."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."DifferentDuring Sidibe's absence Stoke snapped up James Beattie during the winter transfer window from Sheffield United.Sidibe admits playing alongside Beattie is different from Ricardo Fuller, but he is enjoying learning about his new striker partner."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."Now I'm playing with Beattie, who's a very good player. He's scored a lot of goals since arriving."The only thing is the way we have changed the way we play a little bit, but it's good. "I've learned a lot about him because we spend a lot of time communicating. It's good playing with Beattie."

Source: SKY_Sports