STRIKE ACE SAM CAN BE BIG PART OF CITY PICTURE

'BUILT like granite' Sam Gallagher can be a big part of Mark Robins' plans at Stoke City as he works his way back to full fitness.

- Peter Smith

Gallagher came off the bench at halftime to score the vital first goal in what turned out to be a 2-0 win at Norwich.

The 30-year-old played a key role in the second too, scored by Sorba Thomas, as the Potters moved back to within one point of the Championship playoff places.

It was a big moment for the striker, who has endured a frustrating first year-and-a-half at Stoke, including missing most of the first four months of this season with niggling injuries, and there is relief and hope about what he can bring to the squad - as well as a nod that nothing can be taken for granted.

Robins said: “He was unlucky at Watford with the one that was disallowed. He was around everything that was good today about us.