GOAL glutton Kenwyne Jones is being urged to do a Sammy Bangoura by extending his scoring streak when he returns to the north east this weekend.
Bangoura, the frequently AWOL and one-time club record £1m signing now playing for Greek club Panserraikos, netted in six successive Championship games in November and December 2005.
"I think it's fair to say we'd love Kenwyne to emulate him in some respects and not in others," said assistant boss Dave Kemp.
"Kenwyne was a big signing for the club and so far he's made a big impact.
"Like any striker, the more they score, the greater their confidence.
"His first goal was important as a new signing and to get three in a row is good.
"We'd obviously love him to keep it going."
A goal at Newcastle on Sunday would also make it three in three Premier League games – a feat that only Ricardo Fuller has previously accomplished for Stoke when netting in the final three matches of the 2008/09 campaign. But Jones needs to score in Stoke's next four fixtures to equal the all-time club record of Mike Sheron in March and April 1996 when Stoke were playing in what is now the Championship.
Kemp also believes Jones has started answering those sceptics questioning his desire and consistency.
"What we hope when new players come to Stoke is that they buy into the team ethic," he said.
"Kenwyne has certainly done that, not that there was any thought from us that he wouldn't."
Kemp also believes Jones's scoring spurt owes much to the service he has enjoyed from the likes of Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant.
"He's definitely had that from both sides of the pitch," he said. "Kenwyne himself has then been good enough and brave enough to get his head on the end of those chances."
Pennant is back running again following last Saturday's hamstring injury against West Ham.
Manager Tony Pulis will monitor his progress over the next 48 hours before deciding whether to risk him at Newcastle.