Odemwingie gives Stoke City new-boy Berahino his blessing

Former Stoke City star Peter Odemwingie is hoping fellow former-Baggie Saido Berahino can give the Potters’ no.9 shirt the goals it deserves.

The 23-year-old striker was signed from West Brom for £12m last week, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal to end a turbulent period for the Englishman at the Hawthorns.

Odemwingie, 35, made a lightning start to his Stoke career when he joined in January 2014, and he believes Berahino could make the same quick connection with the Potters’ fans.

“It was nice to see him hold up that number nine shirt,” said the free agent. “I miss wearing it!

“They were happy days for me, especially at the beginning. I had the biggest injury of my career just after the World Cup but Stoke were still possibly the brightest days of my career.

“Lille in France and Stoke in my 13 or 14 years of professional football were my happiest moments.

“When my kids grow up I will be happy if they grow up to play for Stoke. That would be nice.

“And if Berahino is scoring goals it would be nice to hear him get the same chant [as me]. The surnames are of similar length it can fit into the tune.”