Stoke City striker James Beattie is back from more than a month out after knee surgery.

The 32-year old former Southampton star got through a full 90 minutes in a reserves match during the week and is now keen to get back into the Potters' first team for the season run-in.

"It was good to play the full game and the knee feels fine," he told The Sentinel.

"Hopefully I can force my way back into the first team in these last six games.

"I'm a Stoke player and as long as that is the case I'll continue to do my best for the club."