Stoke City striker Mamady Sidibe is still undecided over whether to play for Mali in World Cup qualifying or concentrate on the Premier League.The 28-year-old suffered a horrible few months with his national team when, having been seriously injured in a crowd riot following a match against Togo last October, he reluctantly agreed to be part of Mali's African Cup of Nations squad in January - only to be left kicking his heels on the sidelines for much of the tournament after falling out with coach Jean-Francois Jodar.

Mali are now under new management in the shape of Stephen Keshi, who led Togo to World Cup 2006. Hopes are high that the Nigerian can repeat the feat with the Eagles but Sidibe is unsure if he is prepared to disrupt his club season again.

Sidibe said: "I am still thinking about it because next season will be a hard one.

"The national team is really important for my family and for my country, but after what happened last season, I am still thinking about it.

"I need to think about Stoke City as well.

"It is not an easy decision, so we will see what happens when the season starts."

He added: "It is something special to play in the World Cup and of course I want to.

"But there are many things coming into my head at the moment."

Sidibe made 35 appearances for Stoke in the Championship last season, but scored only four league goals - and knows his goal return will have to improve if he is to keep his place.

"The season is very long and you can't just say you are going to play every game," continued Sidibe.

"You need to fight for your place and that is a good challenge for me because I can improve my game.

"Every player wants to play in the Premier League one day.

"It is great for Stoke City and the players. The fans have been waiting for 23 years now, so to be there is absolutely fantastic," he added to the Sentinel.

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