A MILLION THANKS TO STAR

Manhoef says Thomas' fine form for the Potters has made life easier on the opposite flank

- Peter Smith

WIDE AWAKE: Stoke City's Million Manhoef, main, and Sorba Thomas, inset, have been in excellent form on the flanks this season.

MILLION Manhoef is grateful to Sorba Thomas for helping divert defenders' attention this season.

Manhoef has scored five for Stoke City already this term, equalling his previous best in the Championship with still just over half of the campaign to go.

The 23-year-old winger is enjoying the little bit of freedom created by summer Thomas drawing attention to the opposite flank.

He still wants to get more out of a partnership between wide men, including getting on the end of some of Thomas's many crosses.

"I think maybe at the beginning (Championship defenders) didn't know me and it was very good but then they start to know you and double up and not let me go on the inside," he said.