Winger facing spell out

Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant is facing two weeks on the sidelines after picking up a thigh injury in training.

The problem is nothing serious but is something the winger could do without, as he bids to get himself in tip top shape for the new Premier League season. Pennant was unable to join the rest of the Stoke squad in the United States after being refused entry and has instead been training with the Stoke under-21s back in England. The winger had been hoping to play in the game against Notts County at the weekend, but was forced to miss the 4-1 victory with the problem. However, he did help Academy manager Dave Wright and senior professional development coach Dave Kevan in preparing the youngsters for the game and took to it like a duck to water. "Jermaine has been an absolute joy to work with," Wright told the Sentinal. "He couldn't play on Saturday but helped myself and Dave out with the team. "I think he's got a bit of the coaching bug now. He was chipping in with the pre-match and half-time team talk. It's been great for the boys having advice from someone who has been there and done it. "Jermaine has got stuck in all week and has been absolutely outstanding with the young lads."