Victor Moses coach celebrates Nigeria's AFCON woes

Stoke boss Mark Hughes

Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2015 African cup of Nations, which commences today, means Victor Moses is available for the Potters again having been out of action since late November with a thigh injury.
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During his enforced lay-off Moses had gone back to parent club Chelsea for treatment.

The 24-year-old Nigerian returned to Stoke last week and was on the bench at Arsenal but is now ready for action once more.

So while other Premier League teams are losing key players to the African tournament, Hughes can welcome one of his back.

Hughes said: "Before his injury he was arguably our best player so it is fair to say I did jump for joy it was a bonus for us.

"It is unfortunate for Nigeria but sometimes you have to be a bit single minded.

"We kept Victor back last week because he had only been with us for three or four days, and we didn't want to put him at risk.

"He came here and tore the place up really, when he first came in before his injury.

"It is a difficult injury and you have to be mindful of them and it can come back.

"He's look strong and sharp in training and he's looking forward to playing again. I think we all are looking forward to it because prior to his injury he was playing really well.

"The key for Victor was to come to a club where he could get opportunities to show what he can do and we've given him that platform.

"He's grasped it with both hands and played exceptionally well so there's no reason to think he won't do that quickly again.

"He didn't get a pre-season but he hit the ground running so maybe that will be the case again."