KEV ON TO A WIMMER AT STOKE

KEVIN WIMMER claims he has nothing to prove to his old gaffer Mauricio Pochettino after quitting Tottenham to join Stoke.

Wimmer (above) made just 13 Premier League starts during his two years under Pochettino before his £18million switch to the bet365 Stadium.

The Austrian centre-half had a solid debut against Manchester United on his first league start since New Year’s Day and says he and former Saints boss Pochettino (below) parted on good terms. “I had a very good conversation with him at the end and he was very happy for me over the move,” said Wimmer.

“He made it possible for me to join Stoke.

“I want to keep improving but there’s nothing to show to Mauricio because at Spurs we had lots of good centre-backs and I was happy to be part of the team for two years.

“I think it was good for my improvement. I didn’t play too much while I was there but I kept on improving and I’m trying to show that now.”

Stoke boss Mark Hughes was pleased with Wimmer and also German-born Cameroon international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who scored twice against United to open his Stoke account.

Hughes, who signed Choupo-Moting on a Bosman from Schalke, said: “I knew I was getting an experienced player, a player who had played in a top league, and a player I felt had the strength and power to cope here.

“I have to admit I didn’t expect him to integrate into the group and embrace the Premier League as quickly as he has, but he’s a great kid with a great personality.

“We’re delighted he’s here.”