Soumare credits togetherness for Stoke’s revival

Stoke City midfielder Djibril Soumare has credited squad togetherness for the team's strong turnaround in form. After opening the Championship campaign with three consecutive defeats, the Potters won four of their next five matches prior to the international break. The resurgence moved the club up to seventh place, leaving them just two points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.

Soumare joined Stoke from Portuguese side Braga following a loan spell at Sheffield United last season, where he made 25 appearances. The midfielder noted that he is still working toward full match fitness after missing a complete pre-season, but he expressed confidence in his development as Stoke prepare to face Bolton Wanderers.