I'm trying not to 'throw myself around as much' - Gallagher

Fit-again Stoke City striker Sam Gallagher says he is trying to fulfil boss Mark Robins' request to not "throw himself around as much" during games in an attempt to safeguard his fitness for the rest of the season.

Gallagher, a summer signing from Blackburn, has had a frustrating time with the Potters seeing a succession of injuries limit his game time.

Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Coventry City was only Gallagher's 13th appearance of the campaign but his two goals underscored his importance to Stoke's attempts to stay clear of relegation trouble.

"It's been really tough coming into the club and getting injured early on and then working so hard to get back fit and then having another setback which maybe could have been prevented with different kind of management - [by] easing into the game," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"That's what we've done now. I've not pushed too much too soon, which I think has put me in a good spot."

Gallagher's appearance as a half-time substitute breathed life into the Potters' fortunes against Robins' old club at the CBS Arena as his two goals brought Stoke back from 2-0 down to level with four minutes to go.

But Brandon Thomas-Asante's stoppage-time winner snatched the points for Frank Lampard's play-off chasers - a result Gallagher called "a kick in the teeth".

"Personally, for me to have a few more minutes back in the team after a bit of time out is good for my confidence," he said. "But the result in the end is more important."

With 10 games to go, Stoke are only four points above the relegation zone and face Gallagher's old club Blackburn next up on Wednesday.

Despite the pressure to stay up mounting, Gallagher, 29, says he needs to be sensible over managing his body - something Robins has highlighted.

"[He said] just not to just throw myself around as much," Gallagher said.

"I'm not 20 any more and I can't run my legs off until they fall off every game. But maybe being a bit smarter and trying to manage myself... I feel like I've found a bit of a routine which is working so hopefully it stays that way."