LIFE LOOKING UP FOR BERA AND POTTERS

The only way is up, according to Stoke boss Gary Rowett.

And Potters winger Saido Berahino, who has seen the heartache side of football, agrees.

”The win puts us back in touch with the pack and we’re going to go for it,” said Berahino after the defeat of rock-bottom Ipswich, who have former Stoke boss Paul Lambert at the helm.

“Next week’s game at Aston Villa is massive for us. They’re two points above us and they’re putting in brilliant performances. But we’re convinced we can find their weaknesses.

“We’re aiming to keep our unbeaten run going. It’s now eight games without defeat. We just need to turn draws into victories and be more clinical.“

Berahino, who went 913 days without a goal, was unlucky when his best effort flashed just wide.

The 25-year-old, given asylum in Britain as a youngster after fleeing Burundi, had tough times after leaving West Brom, but is now playing a key part in Stoke’s push to get back to the top flight.

Tom Ince scored his third in three games and Joe Allen (above) grabbed Stoke’s second.

Rowett admitted his side “lacked energy and zip”, adding: “It was difficult to pick up the players after relegation. It took them a while to come to terms with having to play in the Championship and we are still in that process. But we’re getting things together now and I’m convinced the only way is up.”

Lambert was convinced Ipswich were “the better team”. He added: “I know this league well. If you put a little run together you can catapult upwards.”