STOKE boss Tony Pulis has warned any dressing-room moaners they will be on their bike if they don’t toe the line at the Britannia.

And he reckons born-again midfielder Salif Diao is the perfect role model for any fringe first-teamers who decide to complain about missing out on the Premier League high life.

Pulis says all those on the fringes will, like Diao in the back-to-back fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea, eventually get their chance and play their part.

“It’s a remarkable achievement for Salif to come back the way he has, but he is a top player,” said Pulis. “He’s been outstanding in the last two games.

“It’s not only his performance, but his demeanour around the place. He’s been absolutely first class.

“Even at the beginning of the season when he was fit and didn’t get into the 16 for one of the home games, he always put the team first because he’s a smashing kid.

“What an example for those who might not be in the team at the moment. We cannot have people getting despondent. We have got to have people trying to pull together, whether or not they are playing.

“If we get one or two who are a little bit sour, we’ve got to move them on.”

Pulis says what is good enough for Chelsea is certainly good enough for Stoke. He explained:

“I was speaking to them at Chelsea the other day and they have fantastic players who are not in the team, but apparently they are so good around the place and so positive about other players.”

Liam Lawrence was today awaiting the outcome of a scan on an ankle he injured after tripping over his dog while climbing his stairs at home.

Lawrence has already undergone a precautionary X-ray, but Pulis is confident there is no break.

“He is obviously doubtful for Sunday’s game at Portsmouth,” he said, “but we don’t yet know exactly how long he’ll be out for.”

Meanwhile, Stoke are refusing to pay a six-figure bill for a new hi-tech communications package at the Britannia Stadium because of a below-standard PA system.

The club has been deluged with complaints from supporters because of the muffled quality of match-day announcements.

Stoke’s hierarchy are currently demanding improvements from the company responsible for the summer installation before making any payment.