The Potters eagerly anticipated FA Cup semi final against Bolton has been given the green light, for a Sunday lunchtime KO.
The announcement was delayed awaiting the outcome of the Europa League tie between Manchester City and Dynamo Kiev, with the Manchester derby semi final having to be played on the Sunday if the Premier League big spenders booked their place in the last eight, but Kiev held on for a 2-1 aggregate victory and so the police could get their preference for a Stoke v Bolton semi final on the Sunday.
The Sunday semi has an earlier kick off than the Saturday evening game, which has yet to be confirmed but is expected to be 1.30pm.
If the Potters defeat Bolton and reach the final, for the first time in their history, they will also secure a place in next seasons Europa League.