Sidibe return to help Beattie

Pulis glad to have more options

Last updated: 30th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sidibe return to help Beattie

Beattie: Lacking sharpness

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has revealed that he will give James Beattie more time to regain full fitness now Mamady Sidibe has returned from injury.

Beattie has been hampered by a series of niggling injuries this season but Pulis has felt as though as he has had little option but to keep selecting him.

With Sidibe sidelined following knee surgery, Pulis has needed the physical presence of Beattie in attack.

However, the Mali international started his first game for eight months in Saturday's goalless draw at Blackburn and Pulis is delighted to have him back.

The Potters chief is also relieved that he will be able to offer Beattie a longer period of rest over the next few weeks.

"Mama is getting fitter and so we can give Beats a bit more time," Pulis told Why Delilah.

"He's picked up ankle and knee injuries and hasn't been as sharp as when we signed him last January."

Barclays Prem W/out Top 4 2009/10 Win Outright: Stoke 300/1