SAIDO’S CLEAN

Hughes backs Berahino

MARK HUGHES is confident that Saido Berahino is clean of drugs and there is no need for the £12million star to be sent into rehabilitation. The Stoke striker has served an eight-week ban after a positive reading for using a recreational drug during a non-competitive test by the FA. Berahino, 23, did not play from September 10 to December 12, when he turned out in an Under-23s game for former club West Brom. Stoke boss Hughes has played down the seriousness of the latest incident. Asked if Berahino, left, has an ongoing problem, Hughes said: “No, not at all.” Hughes also says the player will not be sent on a drugs

rehabilitation course or education programme. “I don’t think it’s warranted, it’s not needed in this case as an individual,” he said.

“It was an eight-week ban, which in itself was a low-level misdemeanour. On that basis, he has served his suspension.”

Hughes said Stoke were made aware of the incident by Berahino’s camp. “We do our due diligence. We were made aware of it – not by West Brom or the FA, because why would they, I suppose?” he said.

“But we were made aware of it. It’s out there – they [Berahino’s camp] didn’t try to hide it.”

Hughes tried to find out all he could about Berahino’s background before signing the former England Under-21 star. “You try to have an insight into what actually went on,” he said. Tensions will be running high today as Berahino is set to face his old club when Stoke go to the Hawthorns.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis said the striker should be grateful to his former club.

“The club have been fantastic towards Saido with the way they have protected him, the way they have looked after him.

“I have been at other clubs where the kid could easily have been thrown under the bus.”