Tony Pulis was full of praise for striker Mamady Sidibe after City's hard-fought victory against promotion rivals Cardiff on Saturday.

Sidibe only returned on Friday from the African Cup of Nations after Mali's exit, but was thrust straight back into the starting eleven as the Potters held on to record a 2-1 win and move up into third place in the process.

"Mama links everything up and always works his socks off.

"He puts in a shift and a half for us because Ricardo isn't the type of player who will run around and do all the chasing but Mama does that for him.

"The only disappointing thing is that he hasn't put the ball in the back of the net. We're all desperate for him to score. If he had made it 3-0 then the game would have been all over".

The City boss believes the victory was the perfect tonic after the disappointment of losing their 12 game unbeaten run against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.

"When you lose you have to bounce back and that's what we did. I don't think we deserved to lose at Charlton but it's nice to get the three points today.

"It was a good open game and Cardiff are a good side, and they were on a great run of form so I'm delighted. I think we deserved it."

Defender Andy Griffin captained the side for the first time and Pulis admits he had no hesitation in giving him the armband.

"I've got so much respect for griff on and off the pitch. It's lovely to have someone of his calibre to give the armband to."

Griffin is suspended for the trip to Wolves next Saturday, but Pulis believes The Potters can get a result if they work for it.

"Every game we've played this year we've given it our best shot and we'll do the same at Wolves."

MATT NICHOLS