Sidibe happy with competition

Sidibe: Happy with competition

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Stoke City striker Mamady Sidibe is not worried by the prospect of increased competition for a place up front when he returns from injury.

Sidibe is targeting a first-team comeback in October after being sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury in early spring.

Potters boss Tony Pulis is in the market for a new forward after being linked with bids for West Ham United's Dean Ashton and Manchester City's Benjani.

Mali international Sidibe accepts Pulis will be looking to enhance his attacking options and feels it will only serve to improve his game.

"It will be hard because I have some good strikers in front of me and there will probably be more coming in," Sidibe told The Sentinel.

"But to be a better player you need that competition.

"You know that even if you only play 10 minutes in a game, you have to give everything."

The 29-year-old is happy with how his recovery from injury is progressing and feels he is on course to make his return in October.

He added: "I have been having treatment on my knee through the summer and everything is fine.

"I saw the specialist again three weeks ago and he has said everything has gone very well.

"I am hoping to start running again next week and, after that, I will talk to the physio to see what I can do.

"But I am hoping I can be back for October."