Wilkinson - Problems behind me

Stoke City defender Andy Wilkinson insists that he has overcome his disciplinary problems.Wilkinson has suffered issues with his temperament in the past while playing for the Potters and was sent off against Manchester United two seasons ago.The 27-year-old, though, has picked up just one yellow card so far this season and believes that he has become stable and strong as far as his behaviour on the pitch is concerned."It's been hard - but I think over the past year or two I've managed to control it a little bit more, which is something I did need to do," explained Wilkinson to The Daily Star Sunday."It showed against United when I got sent off that I had let my emotions get on top of me and got carried away with the supporters behind me. I let the team and the fans down that day."I have learned from that. Being more experienced helps but I look back on that day as a big moment in my career."I just knew I had to change my mentality. I have done that and, touch wood, that sort of thing won't be happening again in the future."There have been other parts of my game which I've had to improve technically - but the biggest thing has been keeping my emotions inside and remembering I'm a professional."Stoke are currently eighth in the Premier League table with 12 points from eight matches.