Delighted Pulis pays tribute to Sidibe

STOKE manager Tony Pulis admitted that Mamady Sidibe’s dramatic injury-time winner against Aston Villa was an important milestone in what has been a difficult year for the striker.

The powerful forward came off the bench on Saturday to head home with seconds remaining to give the Potters a dramatic 3-2 win over Aston Villa in what was their first win in the top flight for 23 years.

Sidibe’s header from a Rory Delap long throw was even more poignant for Pulis after he helped the player’s rehabilitation following a horrific incident while the player was on international duty with Mali.