Mamady Sidibe feared for career

Stoke City striker Mamady Sidibe has revealed that he feared for his career after suffering an Achilles injury earlier this year.

The former Swansea City and Gillingham centre-forward ruptured his Achilles tendon in February, the second time he has suffered the injury in his career.

However, the 31-year-old, who has not made an appearance for the Potters in 13 months, believes that he is close to making a return to action.

"When I did it the second time I didn't know what was going to happen," he told the club's official website. "It is very rare to do the Achilles twice. The operation was bigger and I was in doubt if I was going to play again.

"It was really difficult but I kept working with the physio and did a lot of work to give me the confidence I could play again.

"Now everything is starting to get back to normal and I am really happy."

Sidibe has been at the Britannia Stadium for six years.