FIT-AGAIN RORY KEEN TO RETAIN BEST FORM

[markscfc72]

Midfielder Rory Delap says his form is peaking at just the right time and insists he is fighting fit to help drive Stoke City to promotion glory.The 31-year-old has played a dominant role in Stoke's rise to the upper echelons of the Championship this season.

It is a big turn-around for a player who was ruled out for most of last season after suffering a double-leg break in only his second appearance for Stoke against Sunderland, in October 2006.

Delap said: "It was frustrating at the start of the season because I wasn't totally sharp and I found I wasn't reaching balls I would normally get to.



"Over time, I feel I have been playing better and better.

"I'm producing my best form at the moment and I'm fitter than I've ever been.

"All the lads had a fitness bleep test earlier this week and I achieved my best-ever score, and my body fat ratio is the lowest it's ever been."

Delap now believes his injury hell may have been a blessing in disguise.

He added: "Hopefully there is a lot more left in the tank this season, and I'm happy when there are three games a week at the moment. I'd never had such a serious injury and in a way it may have been good for me to have a rest."

Delap has made 29 starts this term and has forged solid partnerships in the heart of Stoke's midfield with the injured Dominic Matteo, and currently with stand-in skipper John Eustace.

Delap said: "John, and myself, are quite similar players and we allow other players to produce the magic. He has helped bring out the best in me and he is one of those players who contributes something even if he isn't on the ball all the time."

Meanwhile, Delap admitted he took a sceptical view about Stoke's interest in recruiting teenage star Theo Walcott on loan from Arsenal.

Delap knows all about Walcott's precocious talent, having played in the same Southampton side as the young striker.

"Theo is an exceptional talent who has frightening pace and it was all about developing his finishing," said Delap.

"If he signed on loan I suppose it would show Stoke's ambition - but I don't think it will happen."

[only1clinthill]

i think delap has been our best player lately along with pugh!! His throw in's are starting to produce goals, his tackles are better and he finds a good pass!

[robin1302]

yeh I agree, really starting to show his quality after what could have been a career ending injury

[Cabby_Shunt]

It wasn't so long ago people wanted him out, because he was so amazingly not good enough for Stoke.

Nice to see him now being praised.

[bayernoatcake]

edwinvanbakel said:

It wasn't so long ago people wanted him out, because he was so amazingly not good enough for Stoke.

Nice to see him now being praised.

To be fair he was utter shit!

[Stick It On Cort's Head]

LA LA LA LA, LA LA LA LA

RORRRRYYYY

[howard moon is a stokie]

at least he admits hes not a spectacular player. must be building up a few assists from that throw of his now

[Vodkab1ock]

One thing that he does amazing well is he tracks other midfield runners from the opposition. In the next game you watch when his man makes a run into the area Delap always tracks him back and has stopped a number of chances/goals recently. Also the fast he can launch the ball that far on his throw is a big bonus

[lancer]

Delap is one of those players you don't notice a lot, despite what he does, doing it so efficiently.
Must admit that for a while, I was of the opinion that his double break was the end of his career. Glad to say I am pleasantly surprised. In addition to his long throws, that cause panic in defences, he is also adding a lot to our midfield as well as contributing defenseively.
He is certainly turning out to be another good buy.

[Dannyboy]

delap is like makelale but with a long throw

[Hiram]

Who's Rory Keen?

[fullerlegend]

yeah was shite at beggining.
only in team, for throws.
now, beggining to show, class.
;D