Nigeria international and Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie has said his early return to first team action to manager Mark Hughes’ believe in his ability.
The 33-year-old player saw tem minutes of action on his return to the Potters’ line up after an eight-month break owing to his cruciate knee ligament injury.
According to him, it feels great with the reception and motivation plus his manager’s believe in him.
“I feel really, really happy, especially with the reception, and the encouragement I’ve had throughout my injury,” Odemwingie told Stokesentinel.
“It was very motivating to come back because people didn’t think I would come back before the end of the season.
“[Mark Hughes] trusts my ability, which is a big lift for me,” he added.
“He believes that with my experience over so many years in the game, I will still be able to do the right things when picked.
“I was surprised to come back because I was planning to play a few games in the reserves, but I got a few goals in training and I was happy because the faster you meet the enemy the better life can be.”
He also expressed his hopes for the future here at Stoke when it comes to qualifying for European football.
“If it doesn’t happen this season, it will happen soon,” he continued.
“Mark Hughes is a big attraction himself to players and after two solid seasons, maybe the next one will be even better.
“We don’t look like a team whose ambitions are just to stay in the league.
“We are aiming for higher things and we have the feel of a big club,” he concluded.
The former Cardiff City player came on in the 81st minute on Saturday afternoon as his side crumbled 2-0 to Swansea City in an EPL game played at the Liberty Stadium.