Peter Odemwingie hopes to play again for Stoke City this season.

The 33-year-old has been out eight months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

He's a free agent in the summer and faces a race against time to earn himself a new contract.

Odemwingie said: "I have been training well and am 100 per cent now. But I need to test myself and I don't want it to be a sentimental decision.

"I want to prove my fitness and prove I can help this team a lot. That's what I'm doing, not pushing talks. It would be excellent for me to stay and continue from where I left off.

"I really enjoy working with the manager and staff, working at the training ground with the atmosphere, and especially at the stadium.

"If I can do well and the manager sees me as someone who can help the club, then I am happy to stay, but I want it to be on merit."