Striker Diouf desperate for Stoke chance

Mame Diouf is the forgotten striker at Stoke City but the Senegalese international insists he can become a reliable goal scorer once again – all he needs is a chance.

Diouf was Mark Hughes’ first major target when he arrived at the club four years ago, but his then-club Hannover 96 refused to play ball.

Hughes finally got his man on a free transfer a year later, and Diouf led the line impressively in the 2014-15 season – scoring 12 times, including two in the memorable 6-1 win against Liverpool.

But since losing his spot the following the season amid personal issues, Diouf has struggled to force his way back in – with Peter Crouch, Jonathan Walters, Wilfried Bony, Joselu and Saido Berahino each handed opportunities.

None of those have taken their chance though, and Stoke looked toothless in attack this season – leading Diouf to raise his hand once again.

“If I have the chance to play in my position I can score that many goals again, of course – but I never play in that position, I am always playing left, right or wing-back or wherever,” he said.

“But like I always say, I always think about the team rather than myself. I try to do what’s best for the team and whatever the manager wants.

“Hopefully I will get another chance in my position and try to do something.

“I know if I play there I will score a lot of goals because that’s my position. I want to just play more there, of course.”