Mamady Sidibe has been impressed by new Stoke City strike-partner James Beattie.

Although he says his partnership with Beattie can improve, Sidibe has been impressed with the former England striker since his arrival in a £3.5m deal from Sheffield United in January.

He told The Sentinel: "It is not easy to come to a new club and settle as quickly as he has. He's scored five goals in eight games and proved he is a goalscorer.

"He can smell the chances, is really important for us and has scored important goals."

However, Sidibe has sympathy for fellow striker and £5.5m club-record signing Dave Kitson, who has returned to Reading on loan after failing to score in his seven months with Stoke.

Sidibe said: "I am disappointed for Dave because I think he's a really good player. But when you are a striker, it is not just about playing well, you also need the luck in front of goal.

"He was unlucky and is also not used to the way we play. Not everyone can get used to that."

"But he's gone and I hope everything goes well for him."