Whelan could miss out for Stoke

Glenn Whelan, fresh from his appearance for the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, could be left out of Stoke’s starting line-up against Burnley tomorrow.

Whelan played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 defeat against Australia and Stoke boss Tony Pulis hinted newcomer Dean Whitehead will start alongside Rory Delap in midfield.

Stoke’s only injury worry is defender Danny Higginbotham, who faces a late fitness test on a hamstring problem. Danny Pugh and Carl Dickinson are on standby to deputise.

Right-back Ryan Shotton, who spent most of last season on loan at Tranmere, is expected to make his Premier League debut after climbing Pulis’ pecking order ahead of Andy Wilkinson and Andy Griffin.

Stoke (from): Sorensen, Shotton, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Lawrence, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington, Beattie, Fuller, Simonsen, Whelan, Wilkinson, Cort, Kitson, Cresswell, Dickinson, Pugh, Diao, Amdy Faye, Tonge, Griffin.