Delap warning over cup final axe

The Potters midfielder knows manager Tony Pulis will not stand for his side taking their foot off the pedal before they face Manchester City on May 15.

Evidence of this was seen via the committed display by Stoke in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.

Delap said: "I don't think that (easing up) will happen with the players and staff we've got behind us here. If it does, they won't be playing (at Wembley). If you ease up and think about things, start thinking about the final, you are not going to be playing in the final.

"The manager has shown in the past that anyone who messes about and doesn't put the work in will be out of the team and out of the club. You should be professional enough no matter what situation you are in, cup final, no cup final, bottom, middle, top of the league. You still want to win games.

"The manager has drilled that into us since he's been at the club. That's why we've had the success we've had. If we ease up at all, we will go and get battered every week."

Source: PA

Source: PA