Pulis proud as Stoke eye Euro progression

TONY PULIS believes Stoke will have exceeded expectations if they secure the point they need to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League against Dynamo Kiev tonight.

Since returning to European football for the first time in 35 years courtesy of their run to the FA Cup final last season, the Potters have won seven of their eight matches.

The only time they did not take maximum points was the away trip to Kiev at the start of the group stage, but they came within minutes of doing so only for Ognjen Vukojevic to score a late equaliser.

Stoke sit four points clear at the top of Group E but, with a trip to Istanbul to face Besiktas to come in their final match, Pulis knows securing a draw at the Britannia Stadium tonight is key.

He said: “I looked at it as a group that was going to be extremely difficult. If you look at the three teams that we pulled, they’ve got unbelievable European experience. Thursday is a cup final for us.

“If we can get through Thursday’s game, we’re qualified, so it’s a massive game. We’re hoping we get a full house (to) push us on to what would be a great achievement for us as a football club.”