Glenn Whelan is happy for Stoke City to be considered UEFA Europa League underdogs.

Tony Pulis’ side have already impressed by reaching the group stage of the competition this season, and they now face Valencia in the first knockout stage.

The Spanish giants will be considered huge favourites for the tie, but ahead of the first leg at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday, Whelan has no complaints over such an assessment.

"We know it's going to be incredibly difficult because Valencia are a top class side with huge tradition, fantastic history and a great set of players,” he told the official club site.

“We have shocked a few people with our results and performances in Europe already this season. We aren't favourites, but that is a good thing for us - we have nothing to lose."

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