Stoke City striker Saido Berahino says that he is keen to redeem himself in the Championship this season after a dreadful first 18 months with the club, he revealed in an interview with the Stoke Sentinel.

The 24-year-old made just 13 Premier League appearances last season as the club were relegated to the second tier, but he admits that behavioural issues held him back and that he has nobody else to blame for it.

"Some of my behaviour last season was unacceptable," he told the Sentinel.

"As a player when things aren’t going well on the pitch you can be frustrated and distracted by things happening around you.

"This season I have to stay focused and start to repay everyone at Stoke and the fans.”

With the arrival of Benik Afobe and the rumoured interest in Southampton striker Sam Gallagher, Berahino has a lot of work to do before he is starting for the first team again.

The former West Brom man scored in a friendly against Macclesfield recently, but he is still yet to score a competitive goal for the Potters in his 18 months at the club.

Despite this, he still believes that he has the talent and ability to start firing this season.

He added: “I still believe I can do what the club bought me for and it’s up to me now to show that when I get my chance. I want to show that I’ve still got it.

"Stoke fans haven’t seen what I can do yet and it’s hurt me a bit but I want to turn it around. This season is a big season for all of us.”

The Verdict 

This will be good for Stoke City fans to hear. For a long time, Berahino has been held up as a figure of complete arrogance and controversy, with good reason as well.

For them to see the striker admit his own flaws and show that he still has the passion to help the club will be a real boost. If Berahino can find his touch he will be a real force in the Championship.

Stoke fans - What do you make of Berahino's comments? Let us know below...