Lambert backs misfiring forward Diouf against Liverpool
![Diouf's misfire against Burnley highlighted Stoke's problems. AFP](https://cdn.resfu.com/media/img_news/afp_en_4915b34d13d203b247d31477b686c34e51880c71.jpg?size=1000x&lossy=1)
A lack of scoring prowess has been central to Stoke's problematic campaign this season, with striking option Eric Choupo-Moting out with injury and both Saido Berahino and Jese Rodriguez exiled from the squad.
Diouf produced a miss against Burnley last weekend that highlighted the 'Potters' struggles and Lambert sought to bolster the 30-year-old's confidence after the match.
He said: ''Yes he probably should have taken the shot on - I don't know what he tried to do. Control it, or it came in at the wrong angle. He was hurt after the game but then you get them in on Monday and you lift them a wee bit again.
''I've got no fear about Mame playing on Saturday because I know exactly what I'm going to get from him. The one thing you do get is pure honesty. Hopefully if he is in that position on Saturday, he does pull the trigger.''
Lambert ran onto the pitch at half-time of the Burnley game to put his arm around Diouf in an attempt to lift his spirits. As for his message to the forward, the Stoke boss said: ''Don't buckle. Keep going. I'm going to throw you back in.''