Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie keen to play his part

Stoke forward Peter Odemwingie is keen to put an injury-ravaged few months behind him and help the club enjoy a successful end to the campaign.

The Nigeria international returned to the first-team fold earlier this month following a three-month spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

The 34-year-old came on as a second-half substitute during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Leicester in the Premier League, and despite the scoreline he admits he is pleased to be back playing for Mark Hughes’ side.

Odemwingie said: “I’m happy to be back involved. Players are not happy when they’re not playing, but I’ve been training at my best to be ready. You need more games to be back to your best so hopefully I will keep being part of the team and get that game time.”

The former West Brom forward, who was also involved in the Potters’ recent 3-1 triumph over Norwich, is now hoping to play his part, with Stoke bidding to reach their first League Cup final since 1972 by overcoming a 1-0 deficit against Liverpool in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday night.

He added: “We lost at home but cup games are special. Anything can happen. We have done well away in many games so we can keep that at the back of our minds and hopefully the result will go our way.”

Stoke are outsiders at 5.00 to secure a victory at Anfield, whilst the Reds are on offer at 1.75 and the draw is 3.50.