Stoke boss Tony Pulis believes cup success can make a huge difference to the club's wellbeing ahead of their Carling Cup fourth-round clash with Liverpool.

Pulis accepts that knockout competitions represent the Potters' only realistic chances of winning silverware and he is keen to bring glory to the Britannia Stadium.

Pulis sampled the excitement a good run can generate as he guided his side to the FA Cup final last season and, while Premier League survival remains all important, he wants more of it.

"I don't think our football club will win the Barclays Premier League in the next few years,'' he said.

"So our biggest aim is to stay in the league, that's our priority, but what we also want to do is try to do well in the cup competitions.

"That includes the Europa League, the FA Cup and the Carling Cup.

"We had a great time last year, going to Wembley, it was absolutely fantastic. It galvanised everybody, it galvanised the city, it galvanised the club.

"So we will do our best in all the cup competitions.
"We've got a tough game against Liverpool, but we'll pick a team to try to win that game. We'll do our damnedest, that's what we are trying to achieve.''

Pulis could be boosted by the return of defender Jonathan Woodgate, who has had three games out with a calf injury.

Winger Jermaine Pennant will be assessed ahead of the Britannia Stadium clash with his former club after missing the last two matches with a hamstring problem.

Danny Higginbotham, out since April with a knee injury, could be involved as he looks to step up his comeback after playing for the reserves.

Liverpool have Lucas Leiva available again after the midfielder completed his one-match suspension.

Daniel Agger made his return from injury as a substitute in Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Norwich and could be among those coming into the team.

Reds` boss Kenny Dalglish is expected to make some changes to his first XI, and among those who could come into the team is Jay Spearing, whose chances have been limited this term.

The 22-year-old is determined to demonstrate his worth and views the contest against the Potters as the ideal opportunity to show he can handle a physical assignment.

"It has been a mixed season for me so far,'' Spearing said.

"With the new players that have come in I haven't had as many chances as I would have liked, but at the end of the day it's down to me to keep working hard every day in training and show the manager I deserve a chance when the time comes.

"I have to look at the positive side of things. The boss has put me on the bench for every Premier League game so far and I have played in the Carling Cup games, so I can't complain about that.

"I've got to do everything I can in training to show the boss I am ready if he needs me to play against Stoke.

"If I do get the chance to play it will be a massive game for me.

"They have a lot of six-foot-plus lads in their team and it's a chance for me to show that I can be put up against anyone, of stature and size, whoever, and do a good job for the team.''


Match

Game on

stoke scores
1-0

^seems like yor the only one wtching the match
the goal was actually sebastian's fault or wat's even the guy's name

Liverpool needs love too

Who scored for Stoke?

Suarez scores. . . .1-1

blank:

Who scored for Stoke?

Jones.

Suarez makes it 2 for liverpool

stoke yeye team

Suarez heads in a second, great cross from Henderson.

Peter Crouch on for Jones for Stoke.

I still believe stoke city. The match isnt over yet

Where there is peter crouch, there is always a goal

Full Time : Stoke 1-2 Liverpool !

YNWA !

Dem try sha

fine win for us

Congrat

terrific match.