Tony Pulis is desperate to get one over on Middlesbrough’s Gareth Southgate on Sunday, as he looks to strengthen Stoke City’s survival chances.

The Potters boss has a lot of time for the former England international, and both of them are desperate for points as they sit in the bottom three of the Premier League.

Whilst Pulis has nothing but absolute respect for his counterpart on Saturday, he fully intends to pile the pressure on his in the fight to avoid the drop.

"Gareth is a smashing lad,” said Pulis.

“The first time I met him was when I was manager at Gillingham and we were preparing for the play-off final against Manchester City a few years back now.

"I took Gillingham up to Villa's training ground for a break before the game. John Gregory was manager at the time and he arranged for us to use their facilities.

"Gareth came and asked me if he could join in with us for three days, and he was brilliant. I have had a lot of time for him ever since.

"But however much I admire him and what he has done, when the game starts there is only one team that I will want to win.”