Shaqiri tips Stoke teammate Bony to end goal drought

Stoke City midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri insists it is only a matter of time until teammate Wilfried Bony breaks the goal drought that has plagued him since his arrival at the bet365 Stadium, in August.

The Ivory Coast international is yet to register on the scoresheet since moving to the Potters on a season-long loan from Manchester City, despite coming close to breaking his duck in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland.

The 27-year-old found the back of the net six times in 36 appearances for Manchester City after joining them from Swansea City in 2015, but Shaqiri remains confident it won’t be long before Bony finds his feet in front of goal once more.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“Of course for a striker it’s always good and important to score goals but Wilfried is in a very good way,” he said.

“It’s not simple for him at times because he works incredibly hard to keep hold of the ball up front. He’s a very good guy and he works a lot in the week and in matches.

“I’ve enjoyed playing with him, he’s getting closer and he’s getting in the right positions so soon he will score, there’s no doubt about that.

“He works very hard and he played very well on Saturday. He’s an important part of the team and he helped us win the game.

“That’s the main thing, winning games, but I am sure that once he gets his first then he will go on to get plenty of goals this season.”