SOL'S BIG COMEBACK AFTER HIS TIME ON SIDELINES

Young midfielder gets minutes under his belt in Central League clash against Notts County

- Peter Smith

SOL Sidibe has made his playing comeback after spending three months recovering from a back injury.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who has captained England at youth level this season, was diagnosed with a pars fracture in his lower back in January.

He had unwittingly played with the problem in Championship games against Leeds United and Sunderland before scans showed he needed rest and recuperation.

But he lined up for Stoke under-21s in a Tuesday afternoon match against Notts County at Clayton Wood in the final Central League game of the season.

Dave Hibbert's side, which included five trialists in the starting line-up, ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Jack Griffiths, Sanchez Phillips and one of the trialists.

Several players around the same age have had the same problem in the last couple of years as their bodies are still growing while playing senior sport.