Upson eyes Stoke stay

Stoke defender Matthew Upson insists he has no plans to depart in the summer despite speculation surrounding his future.

The centre-half joined the Potters as a free agent after seeing his contract at West Ham come to an end last summer but has struggled to secure a spot in the starting XI at the Britannia Stadium. The 33-year-old signed a two-year deal when he joined Stoke but has managed just eight league starts since his switch from West Ham and has been linked with a lucrative move to China. However, Upson insists he has no plans to leave Stoke and is keen to see out his deal. He told the Sentinel: "I think speculation is the key word. I have a contract for another season." Upson impressed in the 1-1 draw with Everton last time out and seems set to keep his place in the side for the trip to QPR on Sunday. The Rs are currently involved in the battle against the drop and Upson admits it will be a tough game for Stoke, but the defender has his sights set on a win in order to help the Potters secure as high a finish as possible. He added: "This game is going to be tough because QPR are in the fight of their lives. "But we want to finish in the top ten, so there is everything for both teams to play for. "Their home form has kept them alive. They have taken a lot of scalps there so it will be a tough test. We have to approach the game with our same endeavour and attitude."