Stoke City midfielder Salif Diao advantage of the two-week international break to spend time with his wife and children at their home in Monaco. Diao admitted being away from his family had been a problem as his performance levels dipped after the turn of the year.

He said: "I don't want to make excuses but it is difficult being away for so long, especially when things aren't going so well.

"I really enjoyed going home to see everyone and it has cleared my mind. That should help me to give everything for Stoke until the end of the season.

"I've been disappointed with how I have played in the last few games and I need to put that right."

The Senegal international has also encountered knee problems for much of his career but added: "I'm feeling quite good now and I'm desperate to help Stoke stay up.

"West Brom might be at the bottom of the league but it won't be easy because I've been impressed when I've seen them on television.

"They are producing a good calibre of football and I think they are unfortunate not to have a few more points on the board.

"A lot of people seem to have written them off but they definitely won't think that themselves."