The declaration from midfielder Liam Lawrence that all he wants to do is to play football and that he loves playing for Stoke City looks like being the only piece of recent good news for boss Tony Pulis. Despite a distinct lack of opportunities, Lawrence is adamant that he is not seeking an exit route from the Britannia Stadium.

 

Following Saturday’s defeat against Sunderland, Pulis will need to call on all his squad to help in their battle against the drop. Coming off the back of the recent suspension for Rory Delap, Matthew Etherington’s harsh red card means another player will be unavailable due to a dismissal. Pulis was not happy with Rob Styles decision but it is the fourth sending off in seven matches for Stoke.

To literally add injury to insult, Andy Wilkinson, Ryan Shawcross and Ricardo Fuller suffered differing levels of injury with Fuller’s being the most serious - a dislocated shoulder - which could mean the end of his season.