Diouf desperate for Stoke chance

Mame Biram Diouf has become a forgotten striker at Stoke City this season but the Senegalese international insists he still dreams of banging in the goals at the Bet365 Stadium.

Diouf joined Stoke from German side Hannover 96 in 2014 but, after an impressive start at the club, he struggled to kick-on due to personal issues last season.

The Potters signed Wilfried Bony on loan this season, pushing Diouf further down the pecking order, but he sent a timely reminder to his manager with an eye-catching display at wing-back against Watford last week.

And the 28-year-old says he does not want to leave the club but is adamant he wants more opportunities in his favoured striking role.

Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images

“It hasn’t crossed my mind because I want to fight for my place here and see what is going to happen,” he said.

“I love the game, football is my whole life. I’ve been playing since I was a kid and if I don’t play I always feel disappointed. But as a professional you have to accept sometimes that it’s hard.

“It’s tough when things don’t go the way you want but still we just have to keep working hard and hopefully the manager will look around and see I’m still there, up front, I hope!

“That’s what I’m looking for because I just want to bang in some goals. I want to be given the chance to do it.”