Comment by Denis Smith

I WENT down to the training ground yesterday with my ears pricked for any hint of complacency in the Stoke camp ahead of the big match against Newcastle tomorrow.

And yes, you’ve guessed it, not a whisper. There was a relaxed atmosphere, true, but absolutely no complacency.

That comes from the top because there’s no way Tony Pulis would even begin to consider Stoke are anywhere near safe just yet.

The intensity and the organisation in training was just the same as ever, even though the players were going through it for about the 100th time.

Stoke’s dressing room will be full of confidence, while Newcastle’s will be more apprehensive because this really is a cup final for them as they edge towards must-win territory.

Newcastle would have looked at this game at the start of the season and ringed it as win-able, but I bet it’s now one of the last places they’d choose to be going this weekend in the light of Stoke’s terrific home record.

You can’t ignore the Alan Shearer factor in all of this because he will lift the Toon Army and take some of the pressure off his players. because of all the hullaboo coming his way.

But only some of the pressure because his desire to win and to remain a Newcastle legend puts pressure back on to the players to succeed.

I bet Abdoulaye Faye can’t wait to get cracking against his old club – and how he’d love to score another goal like that late equaliser at St James’ Park.

I’m hoping his presence will be an advantage for Stoke because he will have had plenty of practice against Michael Owen in training.

People go on about Michael not being fully fit, being out of the England team and what not, but speaking as a former centre-half, I can assure you he remains a big threat.

I was heartened to see him dropping deeper to help his midfield last week because you don’t want him sitting on your shoulder in defence.

It is much better to have Obafemi Martins the furthest forward because he’s not as elusive as Owen and his finishing can be erratic. Shearer’s other option is to play the big youngster Andy Carroll up front... to strengthen Newcastle’s defences from set-pieces in front of his own goal as much as anything else.

A win and a draw would probably do it for Stoke, – that’s really how close we are now – but there’s no room for taking it easy.

Stoke have got where they are through sheer hard work, dedication and professionalism. – and Tony will be demanding the same from his players and calling on the same from the fans.

It should be one hell of an atmosphere... and my only regret is that I’ll be watching, not playing.

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