Stoke are boosted by the return of Liam Lawrence and the arrival of Shola Ameobi ahead of their Hillsborough clash with Sheffield Wednesday.Ameobi joined the Potters on loan from Newcastle on Thursday and goes straight into the squad to face Wednesday, with a starting spot more than likely.

Lawrence - who has scored 14 goals from midfield this season - returns to the fray after completing a two-match ban and should slot straight back into the starting XI.

Salif Diao is a major doubt with a hamstring problem sustained in the 1-1 draw with Blackpool last weekend and central defender Leon Cort (calf) may also miss out, with Andy Wilkinson and Gabriel Zakuani poised to deputise if needed.

Mama Sidibe is also struggling with injury so Jay Bothroyd will hope to get a place in attack, although he faces competition from Richard Cresswell and Paul Gallagher.

Tony Pulis is also still without suspended duo Ryan Shawcross and Ricardo Fuller as they both serve the second game of two-match bans.

More Football News from TEAMtalk