Comment by Denis Smith

I’M going to bring the wrath of Stokies down on me by saying this, but I wouldn’t risk James Beattie tomorrow.

I’m sure he’d love to be out there playing because he’s been in form and he knows the fans love him.

And don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him leading our attack against West Ham as well.

But only if he is anywhere near fully fit, and I’m not convinced he is.

Thigh injuries are strange ones because you can feel fine when you are out jogging, but you never truly know how the injury is until you really extend yourself with an explosive run in a match situation.

And with Stoke being almost safe at this stage, I wouldn’t risk him. Much better to give him another couple of weeks and then throw him in against Wigan in the last home game if we still need a result.

Hopefully it will be all over long before then, however, as a victory over the Hammers will just about nail down another season in the top flight.

If Beattie doesn’t play, does Tony Pulis go for Richard Cresswell again to replace him?

Yes, I know he’s had a bit of stick from the fans, and I must say that disheartens me a bit. But he’s the type of player I’d have in and around the team every day of the week because what you see is what you get.

I’ve had players myself in the past who haven’t exactly been flavour of the month. Sometimes, you do have to take them aside and reassure them by telling them the only two people they have to worry about in the world is the gaffer and the missus.

But such players are usually tough characters anyway, ones who are used to doing the dirty work for the team.

One of Tony’s great strengths is his ability to cut out all outside influences and go with his convictions, so I’m sure he won’t be persuaded by public opinion one way or another.

West Ham have done remarkably well this season when you consider many people thought they might drop after all their off-field problems. And you have to take your hat off to Gianfranco Zola for helping to steady a very rocky boat after coming in as manager last autumn.

Possibly his best signing of all was Steve Clarke as his number two because he has seen it and done it at Chelsea.

Zola was one hell of a player in his day, but could also look after himself and would take the knocks without any complaints. He seems to be instilling the same qualities in this current West Ham team.

They are still bringing the youngsters through such as Jack Collison, Freddie Sears and Mark Noble, while Matthew Upson is a player I thought would go to the top when I first saw him playing for Luton reserves as a 16-year-old. Kieron Dyer is back from injury and, for his sake, I hope he has a point to prove before his career is over.

I think it will be another tight game at the Britannia tomorrow, but I’m quietly confident Stoke will have the work-rate and the heart to get that win we all want.

Other Stoke City fans online today:
‘Bad boy’ Fuller now in boss’s good books
"Zola has got us playing the way West Ham should play"
Pulis fighting fit after capital marathon effort
Taking a punt: Stoke City vs West Ham
Pulis calls for fans to shout City over finishing line
Etherington aims to see Stoke squeak home
Denis Smith: Stoke should not risk Beattie
Match stats - Stoke City vs West Ham
Fuller: There is no problem between me and Griffin
In the know - West Ham
Match tactics - West Ham
Player profiles - West Ham