Potters star shows McCarthy no sentiment

McCarthy gave long-throw specialist Delap his international debut when Republic of Ireland manager in 1998. Then eight years later McCarthy was boss of Sunderland when he signed Delap from Southampton. Stoke will push Wolves nearer to relegation from the Barclays Premier League if they win Tuesday night's re-arranged clash.

But Delap said: "I've got a lot of time for Mick but he knows what football is all about. He is a great manager and I appreciate what he has done for my career. But there is no sentiment in football when it comes to situations like this and he will be exactly the same."

Delap believes one more win could prove sufficient to guarantee a fourth successive season of top- flight football for Stoke.

He said: "We all know what we've got to do. We are still not safe.

"The way things are going, it looks like it is going to be 42-43 points to be safe.

"Since we've come into the Premier League, we've wanted to try and progress every year."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is adamant Stoke becoming established as a Premier League club is more important than possible FA Cup glory next month.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted that we've got to an FA Cup final. It's an absolutely brilliant achievement by the club. But the priority will always be the Premier League.

"That's where we want to play and, the longer we are in the Premier League, the club will grow because it will give us the finances to make it a stronger club."

Source: PA

Source: PA