First team coach Mark O'Connor picked a strong line up for the reserves, with Sidibe partnered by former record signing Dave Kitson upfront.

However, it was Aston Villa who had the better of the first half- peppering Stoke's goal with shots during the first 45 minutes.

Stoke perked their ideas up in the second though, with substitute Nathaniel Wedderburn coming close with a rasping half volley from the edge of the area.

Sidibe lasted an hour on his comeback, and will be hoping to be involved in Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at Portsmouth.

One player who is almost certain to start that match is Kitson, and the former Reading man was probably the classiest player on show. However, he was unable to break the deadlock and both sides had to settle for a well earned 0-0 draw.

Stoke City: Simonsen, Griffin, Cort (Cohen 46), Higginbotham, Pugh, Soares, Arismendi, Amdy Faye (Wedderburn 46), Tonge, Sidibe (Moult 61), Kitson.

Subs: Parton, Lund.

Aston Villa: Paris,; Lichaj, Clark, Baker, Roome, Albrighton, Weimann, Osbourne, Collins (Garder 73), Delfouneso, Bannan.

Subs: Lampkin, Dau, Williams, Blythe.

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