Higginbotham doubt for Clarets clash

Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham is a doubt of the clash with Burnley on Saturday because of a hamstring problem.

The left-back will need a late fitness test so Danny Pugh and Carl Dickinson are on stand-by to replace him against the Clarets at the Britannia Stadium.

Young right-back Ryan Shotton is pushing for a start ahead of Andy Wilkinson and Andy Griffin while new midfielder Dean Whitehead could be handed a Potters debut.

Striker Dave Kitson will be hoping for the nod up front alongside Ricardo Fuller after hitting goalscoring form in pre-season although James Beattie is another option for boss Tony Pulis.