Kitson's training blow

Stoke striker Dave Kitson and defender Ryan Shawcross are out of Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.

Potters boss Tony Pulis today confirmed that his record signing is still unable to train properly because of a knee problem, while Shawcross has got a stiff back.

"Dave is having an injection today and we'll see how that goes. He's running in straight lines, but twisting and turning is still a problem for him," said the manager.

"Ryan's back has settled down and hopefully he will start training again on Monday with some jogging."

Pulis also revealed that Abdoulaye Faye was under treatment for an on-going thigh complaint, but said he would be surprised if he failed to make Saturday's game.

Faye is desperate to play against the club he left to join Stoke back in August and the rest of the squad are fired up by memories of the 4-1 FA Cup defeat to the Magpies last January.