Despite being sidelined for more than seven months after cruciate knee ligament surgery, Pulis was happy to offer the 30-year-old a new two-year contract in February which the Malian was equally content to sign. In five seasons at the Britannia Stadium Sidibe has recorded just 26 goals, scoring two in 27 appearances so far this campaign. It is a frustrating statistic for Pulis but the Potters boss knows the big frontman, who could return from a groin problem to face Everton in Stoke's final home match of the season tomorrow, offers plenty more to his side. "We are hoping Mamady will be fit, which will be a massive bonus," said the Stoke manager. "No-one needs to tell me what Mama does. He's a very good player for us. "If he had goals in him the top clubs in this country would be trying to sign him because of the work he does, because of what he does and brings to the table. "You just wish he would score a couple more goals and take the pressure off himself." The pressure is at least off Stoke for another season, with safety secured some weeks ago. However, Pulis said that had not contributed to their 7-0 defeat at Chelsea last Sunday. "I just think they have caught us on a bad day and we've caught them on a good day and I think that happens with Chelsea," he added. "If you are not right on it with them, especially at Stamford Bridge, they can do that to you and we are not the only club they have done it to. "I'm not making any excuses because we weren't anywhere near we can be and it hurts. "When we play the top teams we have to have all 11 playing at their maximum - you can't have four or five and carry six." From Stoke's point of view it is probably just as well their future was safeguarded some time ago as they had one of the toughest run-ins. Having gone to Chelsea last week they host Everton before heading to Manchester United on the final day of the season - not a trio of games they would have wanted had they been fighting relegation. "Our three last fixtures were Chelsea away, Everton home and Manchester United away so we knew we had to get some points on the board before we played those three," said Pulis, whose side now also travel to Fulham next Wednesday for a rearranged fixture. "But it's going to be a tough game on Saturday. "Everton had a poor start to the season because of injuries but once they got that out of the way they have been fantastic, shown with their form since Christmas. "They've got a good squad there and you can see the quality players they have built up. "David Moyes has risen to the top of his profession. He is one of the top coaches in the country."
