Stoke forward Peter Odemwingie says it ‘feels like a new beginning’ having successfully undergone an operation to fix a knee problem picked up in the 1-0 victory over defending Premier League champions Manchester City at the end of August.

The Nigeria international underwent surgery on the issue on Tuesday and will now begin his long road back to full fitness as he looks to force his way back into Mark Hughes’ squad.

The injury came at a terrible time for the forward with the club having to confirm their 25-man list for the Premier League season shortly after, and Odemwingie was left out as a result of this.

It means the Nigerian will be unable to feature for Stoke until January when changes can be made to the official squad list, and while the former West Brom player admits it will be long recovery, he is confident of returning ‘even stronger’.

“I know it’s going to be a long road back to kicking a football again but I am mentally prepared for that. You can’t keep a good man down,”
he said.

“I’m happy the operation was successful, it’s like a new beginning. I want to come back stronger than ever and hopefully pick up from where I stopped in August.”

Stoke have made an inconsistent start to the season and they find themselves in 13th position, despite having pulled off the remarkable 1-0 result over Manchester City.

The Potters next game is a home clash against bottom side Newcastle United and with Toon boss Alan Pardew under serious pressure, the Potters will be hoping they can claim a second win at a price of 2.08.