Ibrahima Sonko is hoping to become an integral part of the first-team set-up at Stoke this season.
Potters defender out to prove a point
Ibrahima Sonko is hoping to become an integral part of the first-team set-up at Stoke City this season.
The Senegal international joined the Potters from Reading last summer and was widely expected to be a regular starter under Tony Pulis.
However, he was restricted to just 16 outings in the Premier League, much to his disappointment.
Sonko is understandably keen to play more of a central role this term, determined to prove a point to Pulis and the Stoke supporters.
"Obviously I want to try and get more games because I didn't play that many last season," he told the club's
official website.
"I have three more years left here, and this year is going to be massive for me because I need to show what I am capable of, not only to the manager and the supporters, but also to myself."
Settled
Sonko has also given his backing to team-mate Dave Kitson, who he played alongside during his days at Reading.
The striker endured a difficult first season at the Britannia Stadium last year, following his record-breaking move from the Royals, but Sonko insists the 29-year-old frontman has the ability to be a success with the Potters.
"I had a conversation with him the other day and said it is time to show people why the gaffer brought us here," he added.
"It has taken us both a year to get used to the way things work here at Stoke so it is now in our own hands.
"If we can get Kits on top of his game I think he can do even more than he did at Reading.
"He is a very good footballer - we have got to help him through because I'm convinced that if we do, he will show why the club paid that fee for him."
